JOHNA.SEAVERNS 


3  9090  014   548  446 


Webj 


jicine 
eat 


V 


THE 


STOGK  OWNER'S  ADVISER 


THE  BREEDING,  REARING,  MANAGEMENT, 

DISEASES  AND  TREATMENT  OF 

DOMESTIC  ANIMALS 


BY 

C.  K.   RHODES,  V.  S. 


^ 


ILLUSTRATED 


'^ 


RICHMOND,  VIRGINIA 
B.    F.  J  0  H  t\  S  0  \    1*  U  B  L  I  S  H  I  N  G    I  0  M  P  A  N  Y 


J>\/'(^  \  w 


•J  I 


Copyright,  igoi  by  C.   K.   Rhodes 


tTRADO  i"rBr  COUIICIL> 


PREFACE. 

The  frequent  inquiries  from  farmers  and  stock-raisers  through- 
out the  cov.ntr}^,  and  their  inability  to  procure  professional  aid, 
suggested  to  the  author  the  need  of  a  reliable  work  of  this  kind. 
In  attempting  to  supply  this  want  he  has  brought  to  the  work  the 
training  and  labor  of  years  spent  in  practice,  in  the  laboratory, 
the  dissecting  room,  and  hospital  ward. 

It  is  the  aim  of  this  volume  to  impart  such  information  as  will 
enable  the  non-professional  reader  not  only  to  preserve  the 
health  of  his  stock,  but  also  to  know  what  remedies  should  be 
employed  for  their  common  ailments.  It  clearly  explains  how 
to  breed  according  to  physiological  laws,  how  to  rear  animals 
under  hygienic  principles,  and  how  to  manage  horses.  An 
earnest  effort  has  been  made  to  present  in  the  plainest  possible 
way  the  nature,  cause,  symptoms,  and  treatment  of  each  disease 
in  the  form  in  which  it  most  frequently  occurs.  The  various 
conditions  requiring  surgical  interference  and  the  surgical  opera- 
tions to  be  performed  in  such  cases  are  briefly  described,  and 
wherever  possible  the  reader  is  informed  whether  the  indications 
for  operation  arc  favorable  or  otherwise,  and  whether  the  opera- 
tion requires  the  serv'ice  of  a  professional  surgeon. 

It  is  claimed  that,  so  far  as  anatomical  and  physiological 
problems  are  concerned,  this  A'okmie  is  rigidly  scientific,  em- 
bracing all  modern  discoveries,  so  far  as  they  come  within  the 
scope  of  its  plan  and  purpose.  Its  style,  arrangement,  and  ap- 
plication are,  however,  addressed  to  the  popular  rather  than  the 
professional  reader.  Its  object  is  to  give  popular  instruction  on 
those  subjects  which  have  hitherto  been  to  most  people  a  sealed 
book. 


(3) 


INTRODUCTORY. 

All  animals  from  early  youth  to  old  age  are  exposed  to  niairy 
dangerous  and  troublesome  affections,  the  result,  of  causes  not 
less  complex  and  multifarious  than  those  influencing  the  human 
organization.  Many  diseases  are  the  consequences  of  domesticity 
and  of  defects  inherited  from  progenitors;  others  are  dependent 
upon  accidental  circumstances,  had  treatment,  and  improper 
nourishment.  Xot  a  few  mortal  maladies  are  the  result  of  con- 
tagion, infection,  and  other  like  causes.  While  all  domestic 
animals  are  more  or  less  subject  to  certain  diseases  pecidiar  to 
their  race,  those  breeds  of  most  value  to  man  are  liable  to  a 
greater  number  of  ills  aird  casualties  than  others,  for  the  reason 
that  they  are  frequently  exposed  to  extraordinary  fatigue.  Those 
diseases  resulting  from  specific  causes,  either  natural  to  the  race 
or  artificially  produced  by  the  animal  itself  in  a  state  of  morbid 
derangement,  are  most  frequent  and  fatal.  The  close  resem- 
blance existing  lietween  the  diseases  of  the  lower  animals  and 
those  of  the  human  race,  as  also  the  strong  similarity  in  the  action 
of  many  drugs  over  the  brute  and  human  systems,  render  the 
study  of  one  branch  almost  synonymous  with  that  of  tiie-other. 
It  has  been  strenuously  objected  that  drugs  do  not  act  upon  the 
lower  animals  in  tlie  same  manner  as  upon  man.  Stated  in  its 
broad  sense,  this  is  not  true.  In  the  vast  majority  of  cases  the 
action  of  drugs  upon  man  ant!  upon  the  lower  animals,  though 
seemingly  different,  is  in  reality  similar.  The  more  knowledge 
we  acquire  the  fewer  exceptions  remain  unexplained,  and  the 
whole  matter  is  in  all  probability  sul\ject  to  laws  whose  develop- 
ment will  greatly  aid  in  explanation  of  various  obscure  clinical 
phenomena. 

In  the  large  cities  of  our  country  and  in  England  hospitals 
for  the  accommodation  of  invalid  animals  are  conducted  upon 

(5) 


6  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

scientific  system  not  less  regnlar  than  tliat  of  similar  establish- 
ments devoted  to  the  relief  of  suffering  humanity.  To  these 
hospitals  thousands  of  sick  animals  are  annually  sent  and  receive 
eveiy  attention.  Medicines  are  administered  with  the  ntmost 
care,  either  as  assnagers  of  temporary  pain  or  as  remedial  agents 
in  the  cnre  of  disease.  Operations  the  most  complex  are  per- 
formed with  the  greatest  skill,  and  every  attention  is  bestowed 
npon  these  invalids  in  their  different  wards. 

While  this  is  tme  of  the  cities,  yet  vast  agricultural  districts, 
the  sources  from  which  our  best  stock  come,  are  not  only  remote 
from  these  institutions,  but  are  unable  to  procure  professional 
aid.  It  is  to  my  customers  throughout  the  rural  districts  of  the 
Eastern  States,  who  have  solicited  my  professional  ser\dces,  that 
I  dedicate  this  work.  I  have  herein  given  the  fruits  of  my  expe- 
rience in  practice,  which,  while  chiefly  in  the  great  stock-raising 
regions  of  Virginia  and  AVest  A'irginia,  extends  from  the  pro- 
vince of  Ontario  to  the  Carolinas  of  our  great  Southland. 

It  behooves  every  lover  of  animals,  who  cannot  readily  procure 
professional  aid,  to  make  himself  familiar  with  the  nature  and 
treatment  of  the  most  prominent  affections  of  these  companions 
of  our  sports  and  servants  of  labor,  and  at  the  same  time  acquire 
a  knowledge  of  the  oi^erations  of  certain  medicines  upon  the 
system. 

I  have  endeavored  to  express  myself  plainly  on  all  topics, 
endeavoring  to  simplify  the  work  and  render  it  a  practical  guide 
to  the  stock  owner.  This  volume  presents  many  new  suggestions 
in  hygiene,  the  management  of  disease,  and  development  and 
improvement  of  animals,  and  the  conclusions  represent  the  re- 
sults of  the  latest  investigations  by  the  world's  most  distin- 
guished savants. 

The  plan  of  this  work  is  to  attempt  to  sift  the  true  from  the 
false,  to  reconcile  seeming  differences,  to  point  out  wliat  we 
know  in  the  fewest  possible  words,  and  to  lay  a  foundation  from 
which  investigators  may  start  forward  with  some  knowledge  of 
what  has  already  been  achieved,  without  spending  a  great  deal 


INTRODUCTORY.  7 

of  time  in  the  wild  hunt  throngh  the  almost  boundless  ranges  of 
continental  literature. 

The  description  of  disease  is  largely  illustrated  from  photo- 
graphs of  the  author's  patients,  taken  by  himself  to  assure  abso- 
lute accuracy.  Many  of  the  ailments  of  animals  are  forcibly 
expressed  in  peculiar  attitudes.  Such  attitudes  as  are  distinct 
symptoms  of  any  disease  are  shown  in  photographic  illustrations, 
which  may  serve  as  a  test  to  prove  the  accuracy  of  a  diagnosis. 


CONTENTS. 


Page 
THE  HORSE. 

I.    History  and  Habits  of  the  Horse,        ...  19 

II.     Breeding, 22 

III.  The  Mare — Her  Qualities  and  Treatment,        .  41 

IV.  The   Colt, 48 

V.     Veterinary  Hygiene  and  Dietetics,        ...  75 

VI.     Structure  of  the  Horse, 85 

VII.     Remedial     Measures    and     Remedial    Methods 

Other  than  Drugs 135 

VIIL     Inflammation, 139 

IX.     Fractures  of  Bones 144 

X.     Diseases  of  the  Bones 163 

XL     Diseases   of   Joints, 177 

XII.     Lameness, 184 

XIIL     A  Sprain  or  Strain, 187 

XIV.     Diseases  of  the  Feet 219 

XV.     Wounds, 242 

XVI.     Injuries  in  the  Region  of  the  Mouth,    .        .        .  251 

XVII.     Tumors, .  263 

XVIII.     Diseases  of  the  Eyes, 269 

(9) 


10 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


XIX.  Hernia,  

XX.  Diseases  of  the  Head  and  Neck,     . 

XXI.  Diseases  of  the  Skix,  ..... 

XXII.  Diseases  of  the  Veins  and  Arteries, 

XXIII.  Lymphatics, 

XXIV.  Diseases  of  the  Male  Organs  of  Generatio.x, 
XXV.  Diseases  of  the  Female  Organs  of  Generation' 

XXVI.  Feeding  the  Sick 

XXVII.  General  Syjiptoms  of  Disease, 

XXVIII.  Contagious  Diseases  of  the  Horse, 

XXIX.  Epizootic  and  Enzootic  Diseases  of  the  Horse 

XXX.  Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs,     . 

XXXI.  Diseases  of  the  Stomach  and  Intestines, 

XXXII.  Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System,    . 

XXXIII.  Diseases  of  the  Liver 

XXXIV.  Diseases  of  the  Spleen  and   Pancreas, 
XXXV.  Diseases  of  the  Kidneys, 

XXXVI.  Diseases  of  the  Heart  and  Its  Membrane, 

XXXVII.  Affections  of  the  Diaphragm, 

XXXVIII.  Parasitic  Diseases  of  the  Horse,  . 


Page 

278 

282 
284 
295 
298 
300 
321 
326 
331 
335 
344 
357 
375 
392 
408 
412 
413 
426 
429 
430 


CATTLE. 

XXXIX.     Contagious  Diseases  of  Cattle 437 

XL.     Enzootic  and  Epizootic  Diseases  of  the  Ox,        .  455 

XLI.     Respiratory  Diseases  of  the  Ox 457 


CONTENTS. 


11 


Page 

XLII.     Diseases  of  the  Stomach  and  Intestines,    ,        .  460 

XLIII.     Miscellaneous    Diseases    of    Cattle,    not    Pre- 
viously   Referred    to,  that    are    Different 

FROM  those   of  THE   HORSE, 465 

XLIV.     Parasites  Affecting  Cattle,    ......  473 

SHEEP. 

XLV.     Contagious  Diseases  of  Sheep,        ....  477 

XLVI.     Entozoa  of  the  Sheep,        ......  481 

SWINE. 

XLVII.     Contagious  Diseases  of  Swine 487 

XLVIII.     Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  System,    .        .        .  493 

XLIX.     Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs,        .        .        .  494 

L.     Nervous  Diseases  of  the  Hog,        ....  496 

LI.     Parasites  of  the  Hog,        .        .        .        »        .        .  498 

THE   DOG. 

LII.     The  Early  History  of  the  Dog,        ....  505 

LIII.     Contagious  Diseases  of  Dogs, 512 

LIV.     Enzootic  and  Epizootic  Diseases  of  Dogs,     .        .  521 

LV.     Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System 523 

LVI.     Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs,         .        .        .  526 

LVIT.     Diseases  of  the  Liver, 530 

LVIII.     Diseases  of  the  Kidneys  and  Bladder,        .        .  532 

LIX.     Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs,    .        .        .  634 


12 


THE    STOCK    OWAEU  S    AD\"1SEK. 


LX.     Diseases  of  the  Eye, 
LXI.     Diseases  of  the  Ear, 
LXII.     Diseases  of  the  Nose  and  Mouth, 
LXIII.     Diseases  of  the  Feet, 
XLIV.     Parturition, 
LXV.     Parasites  Infecting  the  Dog, 
LXVI.     Poisons  and  Their  Antidotes, 

Glossary 

Index, 


Page 
53b 

540 

543 

545 

547 

548 

550 

553 

566 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 

1  Skeleton  of  the  Horse ?6 

2  Skeleton  of  Horse,  showing  the  relation  of  the  bones  with  the 

outline  of  the  body 88 

3  Superficial  INIuscles 91 

4  Deep-Seated  Muscles 03 

5  Circulatory  System 101 

6  Digestive  System 109 

7  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  One  Year  Old  Colt,  showing  the  re- 

stricted necks  of  milk  teetli    113 

8  Upper  Incisors  of  a  Two  Year  and  Six  ^lontlis  Old  Colt 113 

9  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Three  Year  Old  Colt 1 14 

10  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Three  Year  and  Six  IMonths  Old  Colt.  114 

11  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Four  Year  Old  Colt 114 

12  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Four  Year  and  Six  IMonths  Old  Colt. . .  .  114 

13  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Five  Y''ear  Old  Horse 115 

14  Lower  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Five  Year  Old  Horse 115 

15  Lower  Incisors  of  a  Six  Year  Old  Horse IIG 

16  Lower  Incisors  of  a  Seven  Year  Old  Horse   110 

17  Lower  Incisors  of  an  Eight  Year  Old  Horse 1)7 

18  Upper  Incisors  of  an  Eight  Year  Old  Horse 117 

19  Showing  Hook  in  Upper  Corner  Incisor,  which  makes  its  appear- 

ance at  eight  years  of  age 118 

20  Upper  Incisors  of  a  Nine  Y'ear  Old  Horse 118 

21  Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Ten  Year  Old 119 

22  Dental  Star 119 

23  Upper  Incisors  of  a  Twelve  Year  Old,  showing  the  upper  row  of 

teeth  all  smooth 119 

24  Lower  Incisors  of  a  Fifteen  Year  Old.      119 

25  Lower  Incisors  of  a  Twenty-One  Year  Old  Horse 120 

26  Nervous  System 128 

27  Fracture  of  the  Humerus 148 

28  The  Horse  in  Slings 150 

29  Fracture  of  the  Femur 153 

30  Fracture  of  the  Sacrum 157 

31  Fracture  of  the  Anterior  Spine  of  the  Ilium 158 

32  Splints 165 

33  Osteo  Porosis,  or  Big  Head 172 

34  Osteo  Porosis,  Side  view 173 

35  Osteo  Porosis 174^ 

( 13  ) 


14  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Page 

36  Open  Joint 181 

37  Anchylosis  of  Fetlock  Joint 183 

38  The  Walk  in  Shoulder  Lameness 188 

39  Shoulder  Lameness 188 

40  Capped  Elbow 192 

41  Sprain  of  the  Eadial  Ligament 194 

42  Wind  Galls 195 

43  Speedy  Cut 197 

44  Broken  Knee 198 

45  Sprain  of  the  Metacarpal  Ligament 200 

46  Partial  Breakdown 201 

47  Firing  the  Tendons 202 

48  A  Severe  Firing  of  a  Large  and  Long-Standing  Ring  Bone 204 

49  Stifle  Joint  Lameness  206 

50  Dislocation  of  the  Patella 207 

51  Sprain  of  the  Patella  Ligaments 208 

52  Bog  Spavin 210 

53  Sprang  Hock 211 

54  Bone  Spavin 212 

55  A  Perfect  Hock 213 

56  An  Abnormal  Straight  Hock 214 

57  Capped  Hock 215 

58  Curb 216 

59  Disease  of  the  Pyrimidal  Process  of  the  Os  Pedis 223 

60  Ossification  of  the  Lateral  Cartilages 224 

61  Navicular  Disease 226 

62  Acute  Laminitis 229 

63  Pomaced  Foot 231 

64  Carbuncle 232 

65  Quarter  Crack,  showing  Clasp 233 

66  Corns 235 

67  Foot  Lameness 238 

68  Quittor 239 

69  Bruise  of  the  Sensitive  Sole,  an  indication  of  foot  lameness 239 

70  Calk 240 

71  Puncture  of  Navicular  Joint 241 

72  Paralysis  of  the  Lips 253 

73  Scrotal  Hernia 279 

74  Poll  Evil 282 

75  Fistulous  Withers 283 

76  Cracked  Heels  to  the  Extent  of  Sloughing 284 

77  Grease  Terminating  into  Elephantiasis 289 

78  Lymphangitis 298 

79  Casting  with  Side  Lines 305 

80  Casting  with  Hobbles 806 


ILLUSTRATIONS.  15 

Page 

81  Chronic  Glanders 336 

82  Acute  Farcy 337 

83  Stomatitis  Pustulaso 339 

84  Regular  Strangles 342 

85  Irregular  Strangles . .  343 

86  The  Manner  of  Applying  Poultices  to  the  Lungs 347 

87  Cerebro-Spinal   Meningitis,  staggering  and  giving  away  in   the 

limbs 350 

88  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis  351 

89  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis 351 

90  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis,  showing  Delirium 352 

91  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis 352 

92  Complication  of  Spinal  Meningitis 353 

93  Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis 354 

94  Pneumonia 361 

95  Pleurisy 363 

96  Congestion  of  the  Lungs 364 

97  Laryngitis 366 

98  Nasal  Polypi 372 

99  Nasal  Gleet 373 

00  Acute  Indigestion 375 

01  Acute  Indigestion 376 

02  Acute  Indigestion 376 

03  Impaction  of  the  Stomach 377 

04  Nausea 378 

05  Rupture  of  the  Stomach 378 

06  Inflammation  of  the  Stomach 379 

07  Spasmodic  Colic 3S0 

08  Spasmodic  Colic 381 

09  Spasmodic  Colic 381 

10  Impaction  of  the  Colon. 383 

11  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels 384 

12  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels,  Getting  Down 385 

13  Inflammation  of  the  Bowels,  Rolling 385 

14  Dysentery 388 

15  Intussusception 390 

16  Sunstroke 394 

17  Sunstroke 395 

18  Sunstroke 396 

19  Concussion  of  the  Brain 397 

20  Lockjaw 400 

21  Lockjaw 401 

22  Hysteria 402 

23  String  Halt .' 404 

24  Inflammation  of  the  Liver 409 


16  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEjft. 

Page 

125  Inflammation  of  Kidney 414 

126  Chronic  Inflammation  of  the  Kidney 415 

127  Albuminuria 417 

128  Inflammation  of  the  Bladder 419 

129  Retention  of  the  Urine 420 

130  Azaturea 423 

131  Azaturea 424 

132  Symptoms  of  Abdominal  Pain 461 

133  Impaction  of  the  Rumen 462 

134  Impaction  of  the  Manyplies 463 

135  Parturient  Peritonitis 466 

136  Parturient  Paralysis 467 

137  Parturient  Apoplexy 468 

138  Mammitis 470 

139  Enteritis 471 

140  Metritis 472 


THE  HORSE. 


T. 
HISTORY  AND  HABITS  OF  THE  HORSE. 

We  learn  from  Bible  history  that  Asia  is  the  home  of  the 
horse,  and  that  he  was  used  in  Egypt  more  than  1600  years 
before  Christ.  From  the  earliest  ages  these  noble  animals  were 
captured  and  tamed  by  the  Egyptians.  Their  large  caravan 
trade  with  the  interior  of  Africa  formed  the  first  channel  for 
the  distribution  of  the  horse  throughout  the  world.  Xew  races 
were  produced  by  breeding  and  mixing  the  different  races  from 
time  to  time,  until  now  the  number  of  races  is  almost  innumera- 
ble. The  horse  in  a  domestic  state  is  found  in  almost  every  part 
of  the  globe.  Of  the  six  ascertained  original  species  of  horses, 
only  one  has  yet  been  discovered  on  this  continent  in  a  per- 
fectly wild  state.  This  species,  an  inhabtiant  of  the  mountains 
of  South  America,  has  cloven  hoofs.  The  larger  herds  of  the 
Pampas  are  of  French  and  Spanish  origin,  and  entirely  of  the 
Andalusian  breed.  They  are  descendants  of  domestic  animals, 
and  can  scarcely  be  called  wild  in  the  proper  acceptation  of  the 
term.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  wild  horses  found  on  each 
side  of  the  Don.  They  are  an  offspring  of  Russian  horses  em- 
ployed by  Asolph  in  the  year  1697,  when  for  want  of  forage 
they  were  turned  loose.  The  beach  horse  is  the  Canadian  pony 
breed,  originally  from  the  south  of  France,  and  is  the  same  as 
the  Indian  pony.  The  wild  horses  of  the  plains  are  of  the  old 
Spanish  stock  and  the  pure  Andalusian.  The  fine  bloods  of 
England  and  America  are  crosses  of  the  Arabian  and  several 
others.  The  wild  rovers  on  the  plains  of  Texas  and  the  West 
are  descendants  of  these  breeds. 

South  of  the  Ararat  mountains,  upon  which  the  ark  rested, 
lies  a  fertile  country,  where  the  horse  in- a  perfectly  wild  state 
is  found  in  herds,  some  of  which  are  said  to  consist  of  ten  thou- 

(19) 


20  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

sand.  Some  of  these  horses  in  size,  form,  and  motion  are  of 
the  most  perfect  symmetry  and  models  of  beauty,  possessing  in 
a  marked  degree  the  varied  movements  and  grace  cliaracterizing 
the  carefully  trained  and  bred  horse. 

The  horse  is  the  associate  of  man's  pride,  vices,  and  infirmi- 
ties, no  less  than  of  his  independence  and  strength.  He,  like 
man,  requires,  and  is  capable  of,  great  cultivation  and  discipline. 
Associated  with  man  in  his  sins,  he  has  been  cursed  like  him  with 
his  diseases. 

The  earliest  histor}^  of  the  horse  in  battle  is  found  in  Pha- 
raoh's pursuit  of  the  children  of  Israel.  His  martial  traits 
especially  have  been  the  theme  of  glorious  description  and  eulogy 
in  all  ages.  The  muse  of  history  has  painted  his  superb  appear- 
ance in  battle  and  thrown  a  bewildering  fascination  around  the 
brilliant  charge. 

HABITS  OF  THE  HORSE. 

The  habits  of  the  horse  in  all  countries,  and  of  all  varieties, 
are  much  the  same.  Wherever  he  is  at  large  he  is  bold,  but  shy, 
and  readily  taking  note  of  the  appearance  of  man.  In  their 
wild  state  the  different  herds  do  not  mingle  together,  and  if  one 
strays  from  his  own  and  gets  into  another  herd  he  is  kicked  out. 
In  his  state  of  wildness  he  is  most  free  and  happy,  and  lives  the 
longest.  The  wild  rover  of  the  plains  lives  to  a  great  age,  and, 
except  in  cases  of  accident  or  the  fly,  most  of  them  die  from  -old 
age.  Some  of  them  attain  the  age  of  forty  and  fifty  years.  They 
take  exercise  as  nature  requires,  and  are  governed  by  its  instincts. 
Their  food  is  the  wild  grasses  of  the  prairies,  and  their  drink  is 
of  the  clear  water  brook.  Instead  of  the  filthy  stable  of  the 
domesticated  animal,  his  bed  is  on  the  fresh  grass  of  the  valleys 
or  elevated  slopes.  His  shelter  is  under  the  deep  shades  of  the 
olive  and  fig  trees.  Instead  of  the  reeking  fumes  of  crowded 
stables,  the  air  he  breathes  is  scented  with  the  perfume  of  roses 
and  flowers.  His  bed,  therefore,  in  his  wild  state  is  one  of  blos- 
soms and  perfume.  He  visits  the  salt  lakes,  with  which  the 
country  abounds,  and  his  simple  life  is  almost  free  from  diseases. 


lllSTORY    AND    HABITS    OF    THE    HORSE.  ^1 

The  horse  naturally  is  subject  to  but  few  hereditary  disorders,  or 
perhaps  to  none,  but  indiscriminate  commingling  of  blood  has 
fearfully  multiplied  his  diseases  and  occasioned  deplorable  de- 
generacy. Improper  treatment  and  abuse  at  the  hands  of  man 
have  been  the  cause  of  nearly  all  his  diseases  and  of  his  great 
loss  in  longevity  and  natural  capabilities. 

It  is  not  our  design  to  enlarge  on  these  topics,  but  in  their 
appropriate  chapters  they  will  be  fully  presented.  It  is  with  the 
horse  as  we  find  him  in  America  that  we  have  to  deal  in  this 
work — the  history  of  his  diseases,  their  causes  and  cures,  and 
rational  and  generous  rules  for  his  treatment  and  general  im- 
provement. 


II. 

BREEDING. 

The  art  of  raising  domestic  animals  lias  attained  a  great 
degree  of  perfection,  due  to  the  recognition  of  certain  principles 
in  physiology.  This  subject  has  been  studied  as  a  science  and 
practiced  as  an  art  for  centuries,  but  there  yet  remains  room  for 
improvement.  It  will  not  be  expected  that  the  author  will  dwell 
minutely  or  at  length  upon  the  formation  and  growth  of  the 
fetal  strue-tures  and  trace  them  separately  from  their  origin  to 
their  completion  at  the  birth  of  the  fetal  animal. 

Menstruation,  or  period  of  puberty,  in  the  mare  and  cow  is 
reckoned  at  the  age  of  ons  to  two  years,  in  most  cases;  but  the 
filly  should  not  be  bred  until  she  is  three  or  four  years  of  age, 
and  even  older,  if  she  is  immature.  The  cow  may  be  bred  at  two 
years  of  age,  or  earlier,  if  well  matured.  There  is,  with  few 
exceptions,  a  periodical  discharge  of  mucus  from  the  vagina. 
This  discharge  naturally  follows  the  ripening  and  liberation  of 
an  ovum,  and  continues  in  a  great  majority  of  cases  from  two  to 
four  days;  it  recurs  once  in  four  or  five  weeks,  and  continues  as 
long  as  the  female  is  capable  of  conceiving,  or  rather  as  long  as 
ova  are  developed.  Menstruation  is  ovulation.  When  the  geni- 
tal organs  are  sufficiently  developed,  a  germ  cell,  or  ovum,  is 
evolved  from  its  ovarian  bed,  and  passes  along  the  channel  of  the 
fallopian  tube  into  the  uterine  cavity;  unless  impregnated  in  its 
course  by  meeting  and  mingling  with  the  sperm  cell  of  the 
male,  and  fixed  upon  the  wall  of  the  utero-fallopian  canal,  it  is 
expelled  through  the  vaginal  passage,  a  process  repeated  every 
four  or  five  weeks  in  the  mare  and  cow.  At  this  time  the  nervous 
system  of  females  is  sensitive,  and  it  is  the  only  time  that  copula- 
tion is  indulged  in.  Immediately  before-  and  after  this  period, 
conception  is  more  likely  to  take  place.     The  contests  between 

(22) 


BKEEDING. 


23 


the  males  of  animals  during  the  period  of  Oestrum  are  interest- 
ing. The  animal  wins  the  female  through  the  law  of  battle. 
The  most  timid  animals,  not  provided  with  any  special  w^eapons 
for  fighting,  engage  in  desperate  conflicts  during  this  season. 

In  Colorado  the  law  requires  every  person  having  cows  run- 
ning at  large  to  turn  with  them  one  bull  for  every  twenty-five 
cows.  These  bulls,  when  strange  ones  meet,  fight  with  great 
ferocity.  They  are  more  likely  to  meet  when  the  cows  are  in 
heat. 

A  stallion  will  drive  all  other  stallions  and  geldings  out  of 
his  band,  and  sometimes  even  strange  mares,  especially  if  his 
band  is  large  and  he  is  well  acquainted  with  them.  If  he  desires 
to  increase  his  band  he  will  steal  any  mare  he  can  find.  He 
either  leads  or  drives  them  to  and  from  water,  and  as  they  are 
strung  out  he  will  pass  back  and  forth  with  his  head  near  the 
ground;  if  one  is  missing  he  will  leave  the  band  and  search  dili- 
gently until  he  brings  her  in,  using  teeth  or  heels  for  a  whip. 
It  is  both  difficult  and  dangerous  to  lead  a  mare  from  a  band 
having  a  regular  herder,  as  the  stallion  is  called. 

Where  mares  are  kept  in  bands  herded  by  stallions,  it  often 
happens  that  horses  try  singly  to  whip  out  a  horse  of  another 
herd,  and  if  they  fail,  get  another  to  join  the  contest.  One  will 
engage  with  the  horse  while  the  other  drives  away  the  mares. 

Where  a  stallion  is  allowed  to  run  as  a  herder  of  a  small  band 
of  mares,  we  may  expect  the  most  perfect  progeny.  Here  he 
escapes  the  injury  of  confinement  in  close,  dark,  and  badly- 
ventilated  stables.  Stable  feed  has  a  tendency  to  heat  the  blood, 
a  condition  that  often  affects  the  genital  organs.  Constant  con- 
finement renders  his  disposition  fierce  and  intractable,  and  pri- 
vation of  the  daily  society  of  the  mare  makes  the  matter  still 
worse.  When  he  is  led  out  to  meet  her  he  is  all  frenzy  and 
fever,  and  can  hardly  be  controlled.  This  disposition  will  most 
assuredly  l)e  imparted  to  the  foal.  Almost  invariably  the  foal 
will  partake  chiefly  of  the  constitution  and  disposition  of  the  sire, 
while  his  form  and  size  are  mainly  derived  from  the  dam.     The 


24  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

operation  of  this  law  indicates  the  necessity  of  proper  treat- 
ment. If  the  male  were  allowed  constant  association  with  the 
other  sex  he  would  be  quiet  and  manageable.  The  horse  and 
mare  should  be  allowed  to  rim  together  during  the  period  of 
ovulation.  This  can  be  done  by  selecting  a  field,  or  by  making 
a  large  enclosure  in  some  out  of  the  way  place.  This  arrange- 
ment would  do  away  with  attendants'  fees  and  would  be  the 
cheaper  plan.  By  far  too  few  horses  are  kept  as  breeders,  and 
they  are  taxed  beyond  all  reason  and  decency.  Among  the  in- 
telligent breeders  of  Kentucky  it  is  not  uncommon  for  a  gentle- 
man to  keep  a  horse  of  his  own  to  serve  his  own  mares,  and 
perhaps  a  few  others.  Sometimes  a  few  farmers  club  together 
and  purchase  a  first-class  horse.  This  is  a  move  in  the  right 
direction,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  others  will  follow  their 
example. 

Xo  horse  should  serve  more  than  twenty-five  mares  during  the 
breeding  season,  and  never  oftener  than  every  other  day.  The 
progeny  of  a  horse  allowed  to  serve  sixty  or  seventy  mares  during 
the  season  cannot  be  sound;  and  if  a  foal  is  produced  at  all  it 
will  be  big-boned,  loose-jointed;  of  flabby,  uncompact  muscle, 
and  with  feeble  constitution.  A  foal  gotten  under  such  circum- 
stances cannot  be  expected  to  prove  otherwise  than  weak  and 
feeble.  A  great  number  of  such  die  before  they  attain  the  age 
of  one  year.  The  intelligent  breeder  will  not  have  his  animals 
begotten,  born,  and  bred  under  such  unphysiological  conditions. 
The  laws  of  life  and  health,  and  tlie  rules  of  normal  develop- 
ment, are  the  same  in  all  living  organisms.  If  we  have  unsound 
germs  we  cannot  expect  a  sound  progeny,  and  where  a  horse  is 
allowed  to  serve  one  or  two  mares  a  day  the  germ  is  immature. 
How  frequently  we  see  a  handsome  mare  served  by  a  fine  horse 
and  the  progeny  falling  far  below  the  standard  of  their  excel- 
lency. It  is  established  that  conception  is  the  mingling  of  cer- 
tain elements  to  which  both  animals  contribute.  It  is  probable 
that  the  seminal  fluid  of  the  horse  forms  the  first  substance  of 
the  fetus,  while  a  small  particle  of  blood  with  the  ovxun  of  the 


BREEDING.  ^5 

mare  communicates  the  principal  of  life.     This  is  considered  to 
be  the  case  in  all  red-blooded  animals. 

SIGNS  OF  PREGNANCY. 

The  first  well-marked  sign  is  suppression  of  menstruation,  or 
period  of  heat.  As  a  rule,  when  the  mare  conceives  the  desire 
for  the  male  is  no  longer  observable;  and  on  being  led  to  the 
horse  she  not  only  refuses  to  receive  his  caresses,  but  assumes  the 
offensive,  viciously  striking  and  biting  at  him  until  led  away. 
In  the  first  stages  of  pregnancy  the  coat  becomes  sleeker  and  the 
mare  becomes  quieter  in  disposition.  This  disposition  changes 
near  the  end  to  a  crabbed  one.  Enlargement  of  the  mammary 
glands  is  a  more  uniform  and  reliable  symptom.  The  mamma, 
soon  after  conception,  becomes  more  hard  and  movable,  while 
the  teat  is  more  prominent  and  frequently  painful  or  tender, 
and  the  veins  of  the  glands  enlarge.  These  changes  may  occur 
in  two  or  three  weeks,  or  not  until  two  or  three  months  after 
conception.  Enlargement  of  the  abdomen  is  apparent  in  the 
third  month  of  pregnancy,  but  a  similar  appearance  may  result 
from  dropsy  or  from  a  tumor.  The  abdomen  gradually  enlarges 
as  pregnancy  advances,  the  right  side  being  a  little  larger  than 
the  left.  This  enlargement  is  especially  well  marked  in  the  cow. 
In  some  cases  the  beating  of  the  fetal  heart  may  be  heard  with 
the  assistance  of  the  stethoscope.  After  the  eighth  month  well- 
marked  symptoms  of  pregnancy  are  manifest,  the  abdomen  at 
this  time  being  considerably  distended,  the  back  sinking,  etc. 
To  be  certain  of  pregnancy  when  there  are  no  well-marked  signs, 
such  as  enlargement  of  the  udder,  secretion  of  milk,  enlarged 
vulva,  etc.,  we  must  examine  per  rectum.  It  is  also  recom- 
mended by  some  practitioners  to  make  an  examination  through 
the  vagina,  but  such  a  procedure  is  objectionable. 

DURATION  OF  PREGNANCY. 

The  period  of  utero-gestation  in  the  mare  is  forty-eight  weeks; 
in  the  cow^,  forty;  in  the  sheep,  twenty-one  or  twenty-two;  in 


26  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

the  sow,  sixteen  or  seventeen ;  in  the  bitch,  nine ;  and  in  the  rab- 
bit, about  fonr  weeks;  in  the  cat,  eight  weeks.  The  period  of 
gestation  may  vary  to  a  remarkable  extent  in  mares  and  cows. 
This  difference  is  owing  to  some  extent  to  the  difficulty  of  fixing 
the  exact  time  of  conception.  Male  foals  are  carried  two  or  three 
days  longer  than  female  foals,  and,  as  a  rule,  an  old  mare  carries 
her  foal  longer  than  a  young  mare. 

EMBRYOLOGY. 

The  primary  changes  undergone  by  the  fecundated  ovum, 
interesting  as  they  are,  can  be  merely  alluded  to  here.  By  re- 
peated fusion  of  the  vitelline  substance  there  arises  a  cellular 
material  called  the  embryogenic  tissue,  or  blastoderm,  out  of 
which  the  body  of  the  embryo  is  formed.  This  tissue  divides 
into  three  layers — an  outer,  a  middle,  and  an  internal — called, 
respectively,  the  epiblast,  mesoblast,  and  hypoblast.  From  the 
epiblast  becomes  developed  the  epidermis  and  its  appendages 
and  the  cerebro-spinal  axis;  from  the  hypoblast  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  alimentary  canal,  while  the  mesoblast  forms 
the  intervening  organs  and  tissues.  A  linear  indentation,  the 
primitive  groove,  appears  on  the  epiblast;  below  and  coincident 
with  this  the  notochord  is  formed,  indicating  the  position  of  the 
vertebral  column. 

The  chief  appendages  and  coverings  associated  with  fetal  life 
are  the  umbilical  sack,  the  amnion,  chorion,  and  allantois,  the 
placenta,  and  the  umbilical  cord.  The  outer  covering  of  the 
fetus  is  the  chorion,  a  membrane  derived  from  the  blastoderm 
and  reflected  over  the  fetus.  The  placenta  is  formed  by  the 
connection  of  this  covering  with  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
uterus.  The  inner  covering  is  the  amnion,  which  contains  a 
fluid,  the  liquor  amnii.  The  allantois  or  urinary  vesicle  is  re- 
garded as  taking  its  origin  from  the  primitive  intestine.  Becom- 
ing vesicular  in  form,  to  it  proceeds  the  ducts  of  the  Wolffian 
bodies,  or  primordial  kidneys.  The  umbilical  sack  proceeds 
from  the  blastoderm.     It  covers  the  yelk,  and  like  the  allantois 


BREEDINa.  27 

is  not  included  in  the  amnion.  The  placenta,  or  after-birth,  is 
a  soft,  flat,  spongy,  highly  vascular  body.  It  assumes  a  variety 
of  forms  in  the  various  classes  of  animals.  In  the  mare  and  sow 
it  is  diffused — /.  e.,  it  consists  of  villi  scattered  over  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  outer  surface  of  the  chorion,  and  received  into 
crypts  or  corresponding  recesses  in  the  uterine  mucous  mem- 
brane. In  the  ruminant  the  placental  villi  are  collected  into 
groups,  forming  a  number  of  rounded  or  ovoid  objects,  termed 
cotyledons.  It  is  the  medium  of  communication  between  the 
mother  and  foal,  its  office  being  to  supply  necessary  nutrient  to 
the  fetus.  In  carnivora  the  villi  are  collected  in  a  mass,  which 
assumes  the  form  of  a  belt,  surrounding  the  chorion,  and  hence 
called  a  zonary  placenta.  In  rodentia  the  placenta  is  discoid,  the 
villi  being  assembled  in  a  more  or  less  circular  mass. 

THE  UMBILICAL  CORD. 

The  umbilical  cord  is  the  channel  of  communication  between 
the  fetus  and  the  placenta.  It  is  composed  of  two  arteries  and 
one  vein. 

DEVELOPMENT  OF  THE  FETUS. 

The  horse's  embryo  at  six  weeks  has  a  length  of  1  3-5  inches; 
at  seven  weeks,  2  inches,  and  at  eight  weeks,  2  3-5  inches;  the 
thoracic  and  abdominal  cavities  are  closed.  At  the  ninth  week 
the  embryo  measures  3  1-5  inches;  the  external  ears  are  very 
small;  the  Wolffian  body,  genital  glands,  and  suprarenal  cap- 
sules are  present.  At  ten  weeks  the  embryo  measures  3  4-5 
inches;  the  internal  and  external  genital  organs  are  formed.  At 
eleven  weeks  the  embryo  measures  4  1-5  inches,  and  at  twelve 
weeks  5  3-5  inches.  At  seventeen  weeks  it  measures  14  3-5 
inches.  At  seventeen  weeks  the  first  hair  appears  on  the  lips. 
At  twenty-two  weeks  the  lips,  eyelids,  and  point  of  the  tail  are 
provided  with  hair.  The  length  of  the  embryo  at  tlie  twenty- 
third  to  twenty-fourth  week  is  about  27  inches.  The  hair  ap- 
pears on  the  crest  and  back.    The  testicles  lie  near  the  abdominal 


28 

ring.  At  the  twenty-fifth  to  forty-eighth  week  the  fetus  meas- 
ures 3  feet;  it  is  completely  covered  with  hair,  and  the  testicles 
pass  into  the  scrotum.  The  vaginal  ring  is  very  wide,  and  slight 
hernia  is  generally  present. 

The  embryo  of  the  ox  at  twenty-eight  days  has  a  length  of  2-3 
inch,  and  corresponds  in  its  development  to  the  sheep  embryo 
of  twenty-five  days.  At  six  weeks  the  embrj^o  is  4-5  inch  in 
length,  and  corresponds  to  the  twenty-two-twenty-three  days 
old  dog's  embryo.  At  seven  weeks  it  is  about  1  1-5  inches  in 
length;  the  udder  begins  to  form;  the  kidneys  and  ureters  are 
present.  At  eight  weeks  the  embryo  is  from  two  inches  to  2  3-5 
inches.  At  eleven  weeks,  4  2-5  inches,  and  its  development  cor- 
responds to  that  of  the  horse's  embryo  of  the  same  age;  mouth- 
groove  and  nostrils  are  closed  by  a  thin  membrane;  the  divisions 
of  the  stomach  are  present.  At  twelve  weeks  the  embryo  meas- 
ures 5  3-5  inches.  From  the  fourteenth  to  the  twenty-second 
week  the  embryo  increases  from  5  3-5  inches  to  12  3-5.  At 
eighteen  weeks  the  hair  appears  and  the  testicles  descend  into 
the  scrotum.  The  embryo  at  the  end  of  thirty-two  weeks  meas- 
ures about  25  inches.  From  the  thirty-third  to  the  fortieth  week 
the  fetus  measures  about  32  inches. 

The  embryo  of  the  sheep  at  eighteen  days  has  a  length  of  1-3 
inch.  At  thirty-two  days  indications  of  the  feet  appear.  At 
twenty-five  days  it  has  a  length  of  2-3  inch;  indications  of  the 
eyes,  ears,  and  tail  are  present;  the  intestine  exists  as  if  con- 
nected with  the  umbilical  vesicle;  the  AVolfiian  body  is  well 
developed.  At  the  fifth  week  the  embryo  has  a  length  of  1  inch, 
and  in  development  corresponds  to  the  twenty-five  days  old  dog's 
embryo.  At  nine  weeks  3  3-5  inches;  the  nostrils  are  still  closed. 
At  the  tenth  to  eleventh  week  the  embryo  of  the  sheep  and  goat 
measures  6  2-5  inches;  hair  is  still  wanting.  From  the  thirteenth 
to  the  eighteenth  week  it  measures  from  10  to  13  inches.  At 
the  twenty-first  to  twenty-second  week  the  fetus  has  a  length  of 
about  18  inches;  goat,  13  or  18. 

The  pig's  embryo  at  twenty-one  days  has  a  length  of  about  1-3 


BREEDING.  29 

inch;  at  twenty-four  days,  1-2  to  3-5  inch.  The  umbilical  vesicle 
has  reached  its  maximum  size.  At  twenty-eight  days  the  embryo 
has  a  leng'th  of  1  inch;  at  thirty-seven  days,  2  1-5  inches. 
Length  of  embryo  in  the  eighth  week  is  3  1-5  inches.  At  the 
ninth  and  tenth  month  it  measures  5  1-5  inches.  At  the  fifteenth 
it  measures  about  7  inches  in  length.  At  the  sixteenth  or  seven- 
teenth week  the  fetus  has  a  length  of  10  inches. 

Caka'ivora. — The  dog's  embryo  measures  about  one  line  in 
length  at  the  second  week.  The  chorion  and  amnion  can  be  made 
out.  At  the  third  week  the  villi  appears  on  the  chorion,  and 
becomes  attached  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  uterus.  At 
eighteen  days  the  embryo  of  the  dog  has  a  length  of  about  1-5 
inch;  the  primitive  groove  and  chorda  dorsalis  are  present.  At 
nineteen  or  twenty  days  the  heart  is  present  as  an  S-shaped  tube; 
the  intestine  begins  to  form.  At  twenty-one  days  indications  of 
the  eyes,  ears,  and  Wolffian  body  are  present;  the  limbe  are 
present  as  small  blunt  processes.  At  twenty-two  to  twenty-three 
days  the  embryo  has  a  length  of  about  3-5  inch;  mouth  groove, 
nostrils,  lungs,  trachea,  and  larynx  are  present;  the  anus  is  still 
closed;  Wolffian  body  well  formed;  limbs  about  one  line  in 
length.  At  twenty-five  days  the  thorax  is  closed,  and  the  abdom- 
inal cavity  almost  closed.  At  twenty-six  to  twenty-eight  days 
the  embryo  is  about  1  3-5  inches  in  length;  all  organs  are  more 
or  less  distinctly  marked.  Length  of  embryo  in  the  fifth  week 
is  2  3-5  inches;  at  six  weeks,  3  1-5  inches.  At  eight  weeks  the 
dog's  embryo  measures  5  inches;  the  cat's  embryo,  4  inches. 
The  body  is  covered  with  hair,  and  the  claws  are  present.  The 
eyelids  are  closed,  and  the  testicles  are  still  in  the  abdomen.  At 
nine  weeks  the  dog's  fetus  measures  about  7  inches;  the  cat's 
fetus  about  5  inches. 

PARTURITION. 

When  the  fetus  is  expelled  from  its  uterine  cavity,  before  the 
period  of  viability,  the  process  is  termed  abortion  or  miscarriage. 
When  the  expulsion  occurs  during  seventh  or  eighth  month  it 
is  tenned  premature  labor.     Why  the  uterus  expels  its  contents 


30  THE    STOCK    OWXEK  S  ADVISER. 

at  or  near  the  end  of  eleven  calendar  months  in  the  mare,  and  at 
the  end  of  nine  and  a  half  in  the  cow,  is  not  easy  to  explain. 
That  the  uterus  loses  its  anatomical  connection  with  the  fully 
developed  and  independent  fetus  is  simply  a  fulfillment  of  the 
laws  of  reproduction.  So  true,  so  admirable,  and  energetic  are 
the  manifestations  of  the  vital  instincts  of  the  uterus  on  this 
occasion  that  they  seem  almost  like  intelligence.  Dunglison 
says:  "With  respect  to  the  causes  that  give  rise  to  the  extru- 
sion w^e  are  in  utter  darkness.  It  is  in  truth  as  inexplicable  as 
any  of  the  other  instinctive  operations  of  the  living  machine. 
Our  knowdedge  appears  to  be  limited  to  the  fact  that  when  the 
fetus  has  undergone  a  certain  degree  of  development,  and  the 
uterus  a  corresponding  distention  and  organic  changes,  its  con- 
tractility is  called  into  action,  and  the  uterine  contents  are  beau- 
tifully and  systematically  expelled." 

CAN  SEX  BE  PRODUCED  AT  WILL? 

To  be  able  to  determine  the  sex  of  embryo  in  animals  would 
greatly  advance  the  art  of  breeding.  From  the  observation  of 
During  on  this  subject,  I  think  we  may  safely  conclude  that 
among  animals  and  plants,  as  well  as  in  mankind,  a  favorable 
environment  causes  an  excess  of  female  births  and  an  unfavora- 
ble environment  an  excess  of  male  births.  As  the  result  of 
nearly  a  million  observations  of  the  births  of  colts,  he  shows 
that,  as  the  number  of  mares  put  to  a  stallion  in  a  year  is  in- 
creased, there  is  a  corresponding  and  regular  increase  in  the 
niunber  of  male  colts  as  comjiarcd  with  the  female  colts.  He 
states  that,  while  domesticated  animals  are  much  more  proliiic 
than  their  wild  allies,  there  is  also  a  much  greater  preponderance 
of  female  births;  that  wiien  animals  are  taken  from  a  warm  to  a 
cold  climate  the  ratio  of  male  births  increases,  and  that  leather 
dealers  say  that  they  obtain  most  female  skins  from  fertile  coun- 
tries where  pastures  are  rich,  and  most  male  skins  from  more 
barren  regions;  and  he  thinks  we  may  safely  conclude  that  the 
lower  animals,  as  well  as  man,  give  birth  to  the  greatest  number 


BREEDING. 


31 


of  females  when  placed  in  a  favorable  environment,  and  to  most 
males  in  an  unfavorable  environment.  Dr.  Manly  Miles,  in  his 
most  e.xcellent  work,  entitled  "Stock  Breeding,"  has  collected  a 
nnmber  of  facts  bearing  on  the  theory  that  if  the  male  is  older 
and  stronger  than  the  female  the  offspring  will  be  more  males 
than  females.  If  the  females  are  most  vigorous  the  offspring  will 
contain  more  females. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Agricultural  Society  of  Severac,  on  the 
3d  of  July,  1826,  M.  Charles  Gironde  Buzareingues  proposed  to 
divide  a  flock  of  sheep  into  two  equal  parts,  so  that  a  greater 
number  oi'  males  or  females,  at  the  choice  of  the  proprietors, 
should  be  produced  from  each  of  them.  Two  of  the  number  of 
the  society  offered  their  flocks  to  become  the  subjects  of  his  ex- 
periments, the  results  of  which  are  given  in  the  following  table. 
The  principle  of  division  was  to  place  young  rams  with  strong, 
well-fed  ewes  for  ewe  lambs,  and  a  matured,  vigorous  ram  with 
weaker  ewes  for  ram  lambs. 

The  first  experiment  gave  the  following  results: 


FLOCK  FOR  FEMALE  LAMBS  SERVED 
BY      TWO      RAMS.     ONE      FIFTEEN 
MONTHS  AND  THE  OTHER  NEARLY 
TWO  YEARS  OLD. 

FLOCK    FOR    MALE    LAMBS    SERVED 
BY  TWO  STRONG  RAMS,  ONE  FOUR 
AND     THE      OTHER     FIVE     YEARS 
OLD. 

i 

Age  of  Mothers 

Sex  of  Lambs. 

Age  of  Mothers. 

Sex  of  Lambs. 

Male. 

Female. 

Male. 

Female. 

14 
16 
5 

26 
■29 
21 

Two  years 

7 
15 
33 

8 

Three  years 

Three  years 

Four  years 

14 

Four  years 

14 

Total 

Five  years  and  over. 

18 

76 

8 

Total 

Five  years  and  over. 

55 
25 

81 
24 

Total 

53 

84 

Total 

80 

55 

There  were  three  twin  births  in  this  flock. 

No  twin  births  in  thi  ;  flock. 

In  the  second  experiment  the  ewes  were  divided  into  tliree 
sections.  The  first  section  included  the  strongest  ewes  from  four 
to  five  years  old,  which  were  better  fed  than  the  others.     It  was 


32  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE. 

served  by  four  ram  lambs,  about  six  months  old.  In  the  second 
section  were  the  weaker  ewes,  under  four  or  above  five  years  old. 
They  were  served  by  two  strong  rams  more  than  three  years  old. 
The  third  section  consisted  of  ewes  belonging  to  the  shepherds, 
\vhicli  are  in  general  stronger  and  better  fed  than  those  of  the 
master,  because  their  owners  are  not  always  particular  in  pre- 
venting them  from  trespassing  on  the  cultivated  lands  that  are 
not  inclosed.  These  ewes  were  served  by  the  same  rams  as  sec- 
tion two: 

Males.        Females. 

The  first  section  gave 15  25 

The  second  section  gave 26  14 

The  third  section  gave 10  12 

In  the  first  section  were  two  twin  births — four  females.  In 
the  second  and  third  there  were  also  two — three  males  and  one 
female. 

These  experiments  were  considered  almost  conclusive;  but  it 
will  be  observed  that  the  results  are  not  more  remarkable  for  the 
range  of  variations  presented  in  the  relative  numbers  of  each  sex 
than  were  obtained  in  my  experience  in  different  years  with  ani- 
mals under  the  same  management. 

After  weighing  the  whole  evidence  I  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  where  the  male  is  better  developed  and  older  than  the 
female  we  may  expect  an  excess  of  males,  and  where  the  female 
is  better  developed  an  excess  of  females.  If  the  female  germ 
has  the  greater  vitality,  is  more  richly  endowed  with  protoplasm, 
then  the  ovum  will  develop  after  the  female  form.  How  shall 
we  apply  these  theories  in  lireeding  animals?  If  we  make  the 
environment  of  the  female  unfavorable  and  that  of  the  male 
favorable,  we  may  do  her  and  the  offspring  harm,  and  vice  versa. 
We  have  but  one  resource  left,  and  that  is,  as  far  as  we  can,  to 
control  the  time  of  impregnation.  The  weight  of  testimony  col- 
lected from  experiments  on  this  point  goes  to  show  that  an  early 
impregnation  favors  the  development  of  females,  and  a  late  im- 
pregnation the  development  of  males.     Starting  from  this  idea 


BREEDING.  33 

and  supposing  that  the  complete  maturity  of  an  ovum  might  be 
ven'  favorable  to  the  production  of  male  sex  and  inversely,  M. 
Thurg  caused  cows  to  be  impregnated  sometimes  at  the  begin- 
ning, sometimes  at  the  end,  of  the  rutting  period.  In  the  first 
case  he  obtained  female  calves;  in  the  second,  male  calves.  The 
experiment  was  repeated  by  a  Swiss  agriculturist,  Mr.  Cornaz, 
who  twenty-nine  times  in  twenty-nine  cases  succeeded  in  pro- 
ducing either  sex  at  will.  Giron  found  that  if  the  female  flowers 
of  dioecious  plants  be  fertilized  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  to  receive 
the  pollen,  the  seed  resulting  produce  mainly  female  plants,  and 
that  if  the  fertilization  be  deferred  to  as  late  period  as  possible 
the  seeds  resulting  produce  mainly  male  plants. 

EFFECTS  OF  PREVIOUS  IMPREGNATION  ON  THE  FEMALES. 

One  of  the  great  mysteries  of  generation  is  the  effect  of  one 
impregnation  of  the  female  on  the  offspring  by  succeeding  males. 
A  few  facts  will  make  the  matter  clear.  Dr.  Trail,  on  the  au- 
thority of  Mr.  George  T.  Allman,  of  Tennessee,  gives  the  follow- 
ing case:  "A  bay  mare,  with  black  points,  was  bred  to  Watson, 
a  son  of  Lexington,  who  is  a  golden  chestnut,  having  a  large  star 
and  both  hind  and  near  front  ankles  white.  After  dropping  her 
foal  he  bred  the  same  mare  to  his  saddle  stallion.  Prince  Pulaski, 
a  very  dark  chestnut,  with  no  Avhite  save  a  very  small  star:  this 
produce  was  a  facsimile  of  Watson  in  every  particular." 

A  very  fine  Clydesdale  mare  was  served  by  a  Spanish  ass  and 
produced  a  mule.  She  aftenvard  had  a  colt  by  a  horse  which 
bore  a  very  marked  likeness  to  a  mule;  seen  at  a  distance,  every 
one  set  it  down  as  a  mule.  The  ears  were  '9^  inches  long,  the 
girth  not  quite  six  feet,  and  he  stood  above  sixteen  hands  high. 
The  hoofs  were  so  long  and  narrow  that  there  was  difiiculty  in 
shoeing  them,  and  the  tail  was  thin  and  scanty.  He  was  a  beast 
of  indomitable  energy  and  durability,  and  was  highly  prized  by 
his  owner.  Dr.  Miles  writes  that  a  mare  belonging  to  Dr.  H.  B. 
Shank,  of  Lansing,  Michigan,  produced  a  mule,  was  aftenvard 
bred  to  a  Morgan  stallion  with  remarkably  fine  ears;  the  ears  of 
8 


34  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

the  colt  were  large  and  coarse,  presenting  a  close  resemblance  to 
those  of  a  mnle.  A  second  colt  produced  by  the  mare  to  the 
same  stallion  had  the  head  and  ears  of  its  sire.  Dr.  Burgess 
relates  a  similar  case:  "From  a  mare  which  had  once  been 
served  by  a  jack  I  have  seen  a  colt  so  long-eared,  shari>backed, 
and  rat-tailed  that  I  stopped  a  second  time  to  see  if  he  were  not 
a  mule." 

A  pure  Aberdeenshire  heifer  was  served  by  a  pure  Teeswater 
bull,  by  which  she  had  a  first  cross  calf.  The  following  season 
the  same  cow  was  served  with  a  pure  Aberdeenshire  bull;  the 
produce  was  a  cross  calf,  which,  when  two  years  old,  had  very 
long  horns,  the  parents  being  both  polled.  A  small  flock  of  ewes 
belonging  to  Dr.  Wells  were  served  by  a  ram  procured  for  the 
purpose;  the  ewes  were  all  white  and  woolly,  the  ram  being  quite 
different,  of  a  chocolate  color  and  hairy  like  a  goat.  The  progeny 
were,  of  course,  crosses,  but  bore  a  strong  resemblance  to  the 
male  parent.  The  next  season  Dr.  Wells  obtained  a  ram  of  pre- 
cisely the  same  breed  as  the  ewes,  but  the  progeny  showed  dis- 
tinct marks  of  resemblance  to  the  former  ram  in  color  and  cover- 
ing. 

Dr.  Miles  writes  of  visiting  the  farmer,  Mr.  A.  IST.  Gillette, 
in  the  town  of  Delta,  Ingham  county,  where  he  saw  a  litter  of 
pigs  out  of  a  pure  Berkshire  sow,  and  got  by  a  pure  Berkshire 
boar.  More  than  one-half  of  the  pigs  were  apparently  Poland 
China  in  the  form  of  the  head,  and  their  bodies  were  spotted  with 
sandy  white.  He  was  informed  by  Mr.  Gillette  that  the  pre- 
ceding year  the  dam  of  these  pigs  had  produced  a  litter  of  pigs 
by  a  Poland  China  boar,  that  were  marked  in  the  same  manner 
with  sandy  white  spots.  The  sow  was  bred  under  my  direction 
at  the  Michigan  Agricultural  College  three  years  ago,  and  the 
stock  from  which  she  had  been  descended  had  not  shown  any 
variations  from  the  pure  Berkshire  tj^e.  Mr.  Darwin  gives  the 
following  case:  "Mr.  Giles  put  a  sow  of  Lord  Western's  black- 
and-tan  Essex  breed  to  a  wild  boar  of  a  deep  chestnut  color,  and 
the  pigs  partook  in  appearance  of  both  boar  and  sow,  but  in  some 


BREEDING.  35 

the  chestnut  color  of  the  boar  strongly  prevailed.  After  this 
boar  had  long  been  dead,  the  sow  was  put  to  a  boar  of  her  own 
black  and  white  breed,  a  kind  which  is  well  known  to  breed  very 
true  and  never  to  show  any  chestnut  color,  yet  from  this  union 
the  sow  produced  some  young  pigs  which  were  plainly  marked 
with  the  same  chestnut  tint  as  in  the  first  litter."  A  black,  hair- 
less Barbary  bitch  was  first  impregnated  by  a  mongrel  spaniel 
with  long,  brown  hair,  and  produced  five  puppies,  three  of  wdiich 
were  hairless  and  two  covered  with  short,  brown  hair.  The  next 
time  she  was  put  to  a  full  black,  hairless  Barbary  dog;  but  the 
mischief  had  l)een  implanted  in  the  mother,  and  again  about 
half  the  litter  looked  like  pure  Barbarys  and  the  other  half  like 
the  short-haired  progeny  of  the  first  father. 

Professor  Agassiz  states  that  he  experimented  with  a  Xew- 
foundland  bitch  by  coupling  her  with  a  water  dog,  and  the 
progeny  were  j^artly  water  dog,  partly  Xewfoundland,  and  the 
remainder  a  mixture  of  both.  Future  connections  of  the  same 
bitch  with  a  greyhound  produced  a  similar  litter,  with  hardly  a 
trace  of  the  greyhound.  lie  had  bred  rabbits  with  the  laws  es- 
tablished by  this  experiment,  and  at  last  had  so  impregnated  a 
white  rabbit  with  a  gray  rabbit  that  connection  of  this  white 
rabbit  with  a  l)lack  male  invai'ial)ly  produced  gray.  The  same 
influence  is  observed  in  chickens,  and  T  might  cite  numliers  of 
incidents  of  this  wonderful  phenomenon  of  generation,  but  ihese 
facts  will  suffice.  These  facts  show  tliat  the  act  of  fecundation 
is  not  an  act  which  is  limited  in  its  effects,  but  that  it  is  an  act 
which  affects  the  whole  system,  the  sexual  system  especially,  and 
in  the  sexual  system  the  ovary  to  be  impregnated  hereafter  is  so 
modified  by  the  first  act  that  later  impregnations  do  not  efface 
that  first  impression.  Dr.  ]\fanly  Miles,  in  "Principles  of  Stock 
Breeding,"  says:  "It  was  formerly  claimed  that  the  peculiar 
influence  of  the  male  was  limited  to  the  first  impregnation  of  the 
female  only,  but  tlicre  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  every  im- 
pregnation may  leave  its  impression  upon  partly  developed 
germs,  and  be  thus  transmitted  with  the  characters  of  a  subse- 


36  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

qiient  fecundation."  Darwin,  in  the  vegetable  kingdom,  shows 
the'  "direct  action  of  the  male  element  on  the  mother  form,"  and 
comes  to  the  conclusion  that  the  male  element  not  only  affects, 
in  accordance  with  its  proper  function,  the  germ,  but  the  sur- 
rounding tissues  of  the  mother  plant. 

HORSES  AND  THEIR  QUALITIES. 

First  of  all,  the  sire  should  have  a  sound  organization,  free 
from  hereditary  ailment.  There  is  no  better  established  fact 
than  that  all  progeny,  vegetable  or  animal,  takes  its  physical, 
mental  and  moral  qualities  from  those  which  predominate  in  the 
sire  and  dam  during  the  period  of  conception  and  gestation.  The 
form,  temper,  disposition,  and  constitution  are  stamped  at  these 
periods  on  the  offspring.  It  is  well  known  that  all  the  secretions 
partake  of  both  the  general  and  particular  states  of  body  and 
mind.  It  is  by  closely  observing  this  law  of  animated  nature 
that  we  preserve  the  health  and  improve  the  breed  of  animals. 
Those  who  wish  beautiful  and  sound  animals  will  see  to  it  that 
the  sire  and  dam  are  in  their  best  bodily  condition  when  pro- 
creating. A  perfectly  symmetrical  body  implies  an  equal  and 
balanced  contribution  from  every  organ  and  structure,  and  to 
secure  this  result  the  animal  should  be  free  from  all  local  con- 
gestions or  irritations.  The  stomach  should  not  be  loaded,  the 
liver  should  not  be  obstructed,  the  lungs  should  not  be  congested, 
and  the  skin  shoidd  not  be  clogged.  In  short,  there  should  be 
the  normal  play  of  all  the  functions.  The  wild  horses  of  the 
plains  do  not  suffer  with  hereditary  diseases.  Xone  of  them  are 
malformed,  and  no  epidemic,  not  even  endemic  disease,  prevails, 
showing  that  they  die  the  natural  death  of  healthy  and  sound 
animals.  Could  we  learn  the  cause  of  this  exemption,  nothing  in 
the  history  of  the  horse  could  be  of  more  interest  or  benefit.  A 
horse's  limbs  should  not  be  too  long,  but  trim  and  clean,  and  his 
joints  round  and  well  set.  He  should  have  considerable  space 
between  the  eyes,  nose  not  dished,  and  the  Roman  nose  is  not 
desirable.    Mouth  of  medium  size,  but  not  too  shallow.    The  side 


BREEDING. 


3Y 


of  the  face  should  have  well-developed  maseter  muscles,  other- 
wise he  cannot  masticate  his  food  properly.  The  eye  is  the  index 
of  the  horse's  character.  The  study  of  the  disposition  of  the 
horse  is  one  which  the  veterinary  surgeon  soon  masters.  He  can 
tell  at  a  glance  if  it  is  necessary  to  throw  the  horse  for  operation. 
The  eye  should  be  large,  clear,  and  of  a  variegated,  cinnamon 
color,  for  this  sign  of  a  good  eye  adds  to  the  beauty  of  the  horse. 
It  should  not  be  sunk  within  its  orbit,  and  the  lids  should  not 
be  wrinkled.  The  ears  should  be  small  and  well  tapered.  If 
thrown  back  and  forth  during  progression  it  indicates  an  excit- 
able horse.  The  inferior  maxillary  or  lower  jaw  should  be 
wide;  if  narrow,  it  shows  a  predisposition  to  disease.  The  neck 
of  the  draught  horse  should  be  short.  Eoadsters  and  saddle 
horses  should  have  long,  rangy  necks,  wiry  to  the  feeling,  and 
should  leave  off  in  front  of  withers.  Withers  should  be  high  for 
speed.  The  back  should  be  straight,  or  nearly  so,  and  of  proper 
length.  The  ribs  should  be  large,  the  flank  smooth  and  full, 
and  the  hind  parts  or  uppermosf  haunches  not  higher  than  the 
shoulders.  There  should  be  a  good  space  iaetween  the  back  and 
the  angle  of  the  rib.  The  loins  should  be  broad,  the  croup  a  little 
below  the  level.  The  tail  should  be  carried  well  up  heavy,  and  a 
firm  dock.  The  chest  is  of  great  importance.  A  horse  for  speed 
should  have  a  narrow  bosom  with  an  increasing  cuiwature  from 
before  back.  The  last  rib  should  be  in  close  proximity  to  the 
angle  of  the  ilium.  He  should  be  deep  in  the  girth  and  round- 
bodied.  The  scapula,  or  shoidder  blade,  for  speed  should  be 
oblique,  while  that  for  draught  should  bo  more  upright.  The 
arm  for  speed  should  be  22  inches  long,  weW  muscled.  The  knee 
should  he  broad  from  side  to  side  and  nearly  flat  before,  and 
allow  the  heel  of  the  foot  to  touch  the  elbow  when  flexed.  The 
limb  should  be  flat  below  the  knee  and  no  thicker  than  a  man's 
hand  for  roadsters  or  horses  for  speed.  For  gracefulness  and 
ease  of  gait  the  horse  should  have  an  oldique  pastern.  Draught 
horse  should  have  an  ujiright  or  straight  pastern.  The  foot 
should  be  smooth  and  tough,  of  a  middle  size,  without  wrinkles, 


38  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

and  neither  too  hard  and  hrittle  nor  too  soft;  the  lieels  should  be 
fii-ni,  and  not  spongy  and  rotten;  the  frogs  horny  and  drv,  and 
the  sole  a  little  hollow.  The  foot  should  not  be  flat  or  thin  in  the 
wall.  Such  feet  will  never  disappoint  yonr  expectations,  and 
such  only  should  be  chosen.  The  haunches  should  be  well  de- 
veloped and  not  higher  than  the  shoulders.  The  thigh  should  be 
well  niusek'd,  and  the  hind-quarter  should  not  be  too  short.  The 
hock  should  not  be  tied  in  below  nor  sickle  shaped;  the  oscalees 
should  be  of  medium  size. 

The  wind  of  the  horse  should  not  be  overlooked,  and  may  be 
easily  judged  by  noticing  the  flanks  and  by  putting  him  to  exer- 
tion. The  temper  of  the  horse  should  be  particularly  attended 
to.  Avoid  a  fearful  horse,  which  you  may  know  at  first  sight  by 
his  starting,  crouching,  or  creeping  if  you  approach  him.  A  hot 
and  fretful  horse  is  also  to  be  avoided,  but  be  careful  to  distin- 
guish between  a  hot,  fretful  horse  and  one  that  is  eager  and 
craving.  The  former  begins  to  fret  the  moment  he  is  out  of  the 
stable,  and  continues  in  that  .humor  till  he  has  quite  fatigued 
himself;  but  the  latter  only  endeavors  to  be  foremost  in  the  field, 
and  is  truly  valuable;  he  has  those  qualities  that  resemble  pru- 
dence and  courage;  the  other  those  of  intemperate  heat  and  rash- 
ness. His  head  should  not  be  heavy,  nor  his  neck  thick  and 
gross.  A  horse  that  goes  with  his  heels  very  wide  seldom  moves 
well,  and  one  that  has  them  too  near  will  chafe  and  cut  his  legs 
by  crossing  them.  Fleshy  legged  horses  are  generally  subject  to 
Grease  and  other  infirmities  of  that  kind,  and  therefore  should 
not  be  chosen. 

A  horse  that  goes  with  his  forefeet  low  is  apt  to  stumble. 
Some  go  so  near  the  ground  that  they  stumble  on  even  roads, 
and  must  be  shod  with  heavy  shoes.  Care  shoidd  be  taken  that 
the  horse  does  not  cut  one  leg  with  the  other.  A  horse  that  goes 
near  the  ground  will  cut  the  low  side  of  the  fetlock  joint,  but 
one  that  goes  high  cuts  l)elow  the  knee,  which  is  called  the 
speedy  cut.  A  horse  that  lifts  his  feet  high  generally  trots  fast, 
but  is  not  the  easiest  for  his  rider,  nor  for  his  own  feet  on  hard 


BREEDING.  39 

pavements.  Some  horses  cut  with  the  spurn  of  the  foot  and 
some  with  the  heel,  but  this  may  be  perceived  by  their  standing, 
for  if  a  horse  points  the  front  of  his  foot  inward  he  cuts  with  the 
spurn,  and  if  outward  with  the  heeh 

For  the  average  farm  horse  of  this  country  about  sixteen  hands 
is  the  most  desirable  height.  A  horse  with  full  form  and  well- 
developed  muscles  is  preferable  below  rather  than  above  sixteen 
hands  high.  The  weight  should  be  from  thirteen  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred pounds.  Such  is  the  most  desirable  horse  in  our  cities  for 
all  delivery  and  dray  purposes.  The  saddle  and  carriage  horse 
should  be  of  the  same  mold- — light  and  free  of  limb,  with  a 
height  of  not  more  than  fifteen  hands  and  a  half.  A  horse  for 
rapid  motion  should  possess  parts  very  different  from  the  farm 
horse.  If  the  colt  is  designed  for  a  saddle  or  carriage  horse  the 
mare  should  be  bred  to  a  stallion  of  superior  adaptation  for  one 
or  the  other  purpose.  If  for  great  speed  the  mare  should  go  well 
herself,  and  have  good  connections  on  her  sid^,  and  should  be 
bred  to  a  stallion  that  in  connection  with  his  family  has  been 
noted  for  speed. 

In  measuring  a  horse  the  height  is  taken  at  the  highest  bony 
point  of  the  withers,  the  spinous  process  of  the  seventh  dorsal 
vertebra.  Care  should  be  tahen  to  see  that  the  horse,  when 
measured,  is  standing  on  an  exact  level  with  the  examiner  and 
with  the  instrument  used.  The  ordinary  form  of  instrument 
used  is  the  standard,  a  rod  six  feet  in  height,  with  a  movable 
cross  bar,  the  latter  usually  fitted  with  a  spirit  level.  Care  should 
be  taken  to  see  that  the  upright  is  perfectly  vertical,  as  a  small 
inclination  will  make  an  important  difference  in  the  horizontal 
bar.  When  there  is  a  decided  difference  in  the  height  of  the 
withers  and  croup,  as  sometimes  occurs,  it  should  be  noted,  but 
the  record  is  taken  from  the  form{>r.  It  must  be  remembered 
that  in  double  teams  the  form  and  style  in  carrying  the  head 
will  frequently  render  horses  a  good  match,  when  the  standard 
shows  a  decided  difference  in  their  height. 

The  horse  varies  in  height  from  9  to  22  hands;  under  14 


40  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER, 

hands  he  is  known  as  a  pony;  Cobs  measnre  from  14  to  15^. 
Some  of  the  great  Belgian  and  English  draught  horses  reach  18 
hands.  I  once  saw  a  coach  bred  gelding  that  measured  22  hands. 
The  average  weight  of  an  ordinary  horse  is  about  1,000 
pounds. 

Ponies  are  under 800  pounds. 

Light   roadsters    950  pounds. 

Ordinary  roadsters  and  ^addle  horses....    930  to  1,150  pounds. 

Coach  horses  1,000  to  1,350  pounds. 

Light  draught  1.000  co  1,350  pounds. 

Medium  draught  horses 1,350  to  1,500  pounds. 

Heavy  draught  horses 1,500  and  over. 

The  color  of  the  hair  is  an  indication  of  some  importance. 
The  dark  bay  is  the  best  color  for  strength  and  endurance.  The 
iron  gray  and  black  next.  For  beauty  the  sorrel  or  chestnut 
proper  exceeds  them  all.  It  is  a  rich,  uniform,  brownish  red, 
like  that  of  a  ripe  chestnut. 

Except  in  the  way  of  general  directions,  not  much  can  be  said 
in  regard  to  the  selection  of  a  particular  horse  from  which  to 
breed. 


III. 

THE  MARE-HER  QUALITIES  AND  TREATMENT. 

For  breeding  purposes  the  mare  should  possess  a  sound  body. 
The  nutriment  of  the  fetus  being  derived  directly  from  the 
mother's  blood,  if  she  is  disordered  or  defective,  its  vital  func- 
tions must  suffer  also.  After  conception  the  sire's  condition  or 
habits  can  have  no  further  influence  on  the  offspring  during  its 
embryonic  life.  The  mother,  however,  must  affect  its  character 
and  destiny  through  all  of  her  varying  conditions  during  the 
whole  period  of  gestation  and  lactation.  Hereditary  diseases  are 
generally  transmitted  by  the  mare.  The  rule,  then,  for  the  pro- 
duction of  sound  colts  is  exceedingly  simple.  Keep  the  mare 
healthy.  The  rule  extends  through  the  entire  period  of  gesta- 
tion and  lactation. 

I  do  not  hold  that  every  disease  of  the  parents  will  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  colt.  Some  fine  colts  are  raised  by  feeble  mares, 
although  such  is  by  no  means  the  rule.  Unhealthy  parents  in 
favorable  conditions  of  procreation  may  produce  healthy  off- 
spring. But  if  only  healthy  parents  produce  colts,  and  that,  too, 
with  a  strict  compliance  with  the  conditions  of  procreation,  the 
result  will  be  a  steady  improvement  in  quality,  and  the  gradual 
breeding  out  of  physical  corruptions.  Youatt  says:  ''There  is 
scarcely  a  disease  by  which  either  of  the  parents  is  affected  that 
the  foal  does  not  inherit,  or,  at  least,  show  a  predisposition  to. 
Even  the  consetiucnces  of  ill-usage  or  hard  work  will  descend  to 
the  progeny.  There  has  been  proof  upon  proof  that  blindness, 
roaring,  thick  wind,  broken  wind,  s])avin,  curb,  ringbone,  and 
founder  have  been  beciueathed  to  their  offspring  both  by  the 
sire  and  their  dam.''  The  animal  races  will  never  attain  sound 
bodies  until  the  people  have  learned  how  to  breed  healthy  pro- 
geny.   We  have  made  considerable  progress  in  the  procreation 

(41) 


42  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

of  cattle,  but  we  come  far  from  fully  observing  the  laws  of  life 
in  procreation. 

The  clam  should  possess  broad  hips,  a  large  abdomen,  or  space 
from  the  hips  to  the  shoulders.  In  size,  form,  and  motion  she 
should  be  of  the  perfect  symmetry  and  model  of  beauty.  These 
last  conditions  are  not  always  necessary,  however.  I  have  seen 
a  beautiful  colt  from  an  ill-shaped  mare.  In  such  cases  the  foal 
partakes  chiefly  of  the  constitution  and  disposition  of  the  mother, 
while  its  form  and  size  are  derived  mainly  from  the  sire.  This 
is  not  the  rule,  however. 

If  well  developed,  the  filly  may  be  bred  at  three  years  of  age, 
but  many  are  immature  at  this  age,  and  should  not  be  bred  until 
four.  The  custom  of  breeding  two-year-old  fillies  cannot  be  too 
greatly  condemned,  for  at  this  age  they  are  not  qualified  to 
breed  satisfactorily.  It  will  greatly  retard  growth  and  develop- 
ment, and  may  injure  form  and  beauty  for  life.  It  is  best  to 
breed  the  mare  every  other  year  until  she  is  fifteen  years  old. 
If  bred  every  year  she  will  fail  more  rapidly.  As  a  general  rule 
it  is  not  best  to  continue  breeding  her  after  she  is  twelve  or  four- 
teen years  old. 

STERILITY  OF  THE  MARE. 

A  mare's  sterility  is  practically  decided  in  the  first  three  years 
of  her  breeding  life.  But  she  should  not  be  considered  sterile 
until  she  has  been  sen'ed  by  at  least  three  horses.  There  may 
be  an  unsuitableness  of  the  organs  of  generation,  an  unfavorable 
temperament  or  incompatibility  of  constitution  which  would 
disqualify  them  for  reproduction. 

CAUSES  OF  BARRENNESS. 

The  causes  of  barrenness  may  he  from  congenital  deformities, 
as  malformation  of  the  uterus  or  absence  of  the  fallopian  tubes. 
These  conditions  cannot  be  corrected.  It  may  be  caused  by  the 
obliteration  of  the  neck  of  the  womb,  sealing  up  of  its  mouth,  or 
inflammation,  resulting  in  adhesions  of  the  walls  of  the  vagina. 
The  greatest  cause  of  sterility  in  the  mare  is  disease  of  the  ova- 


THE    MARE HER    QUALITIES   AND    TREATMENT.  43 

ries,  which  prevents  them  from  maturing-  healthv  germs. 
Chronic  inflammation  of  the  neck  of  tlie  womb  and  vagina  gives 
rise  to  secretions  which  destroy  the  vitality  of  the  spermatozoon. 
Tumors  in  connection  with  the  ovaries,  fallopian  tubes,  uterus, 
neck  of  the  womb,  or  any  disorder  of  the  uterine  functions  may 
disqualify  for  breeding  pui'poses. 

The  treiatment  of  these  diseases  will  be  given  in  the  future 
pages  of  this  work. 

ARTIPICIAL  PREGNATION. 

If  sterility  of  the  mare  or  cow  be  due  to  sealing  of  the  mouth 
of  the  Avomb,  the  condition  can  l)e  corrected.  This  is  often  the 
cause  of  sterility.  The  operator  should  provide  a  pail  of  warm 
water,  carefully  heated  to  the  temperature  of  103  degrees.  In 
this  place  a  long  glass  syringe  a  half  inch  in  diameter.  The  fever 
thermometer  should  be  used  for  taking  the  temperature  of  the 
water.  The  operator,  greasing  or  oiling  his  hand,  may  enter  the 
vulva,  pass  the  hand  along  the  floor  of  the  vagina  until  he 
reaches  its  extremity.  Here,  just  above  the  floor  of  the  vagina, 
is  a  well-marked  constriction — the  neck  of  the  womb.  The  fore- 
finger, previously  saturated  with  belladonna,  should  now  be 
gently  pressed  into  the  os  uteri  or  neck.  The  manipulations 
should  be  carried  to  the  extent  of  admitting  the  ends  of  three 
fingers.  The  subject  should  now  l)e  allowed  to  copulate.  Imme- 
diately after  its  termination,  the  operator  should  get  his  syringe, 
which  has  not  been  allowed  to  cool,  and,  entering  the  vagina, 
should  draw  from  its  floor  the  elements  deposited  during"  copu- 
lation. AVithout  withdrawing  the  syringe,  he  should  carry  it  to 
the  neck  of  the  womb,  press  the  syringe  well  up  in  the  neck,  and 
inject  with  considerable  force.  In  some  cases  it  may  not  be 
necessary  to  use  the  syringe,  dilatations  of  the  os  uteri  being  £.11 
that  is  necessary,  but  the  neck  is  often  left  in  such  condition  that 
it  cannot  perform  its  natural  functions,  generally  necessitating 
the  use  of  the  syringe. 


44  THE    STOCK    OWNEk's  ADVISER. 

IMPERFORATE  HYMEN. 

The  hjmen  is  a  circular  nieinbraiie  which  closes  the-  outer 
orifice  of  the  vagina  in  the  virgin.  This  membrane  is  ruptured 
during  the  first  act  of  copulation.  JSTormally  the  hymen  has  a 
small  perforation  at  its  upper  anterior  portion  through  which  the 
menstrual  fluid  exudes. 

The  author  has  operated  on  fillies  where  the  membrane  was 
not  perforated,  and  the  membrane  so  thickened  and  strong  as  to 
render  sexual  intercourse  impossible.  The  condition  is  seldom 
discovered  before  puberty.  When  this  period  arrives  the  men- 
strual discharge  takes  place.  The  animal  suffers  great  irritation 
from  retention  of  the  menstrual  discharge.  She  will  strain  and 
rub  the  parts  against  the  stall  continually.  When  straining  vio- 
lently the  membrane  can  be  seen  without  exploring  the  parts. 
This  condition,  seldom  seen  should  be  entrusted  to  a  skilled 
veterinarian. 

TREATMENT  OF  THE  MARE  WHILE  PREGNANT. 

The  care  and  feeding  of  the  mare  while  with  foal  is  an  im- 
portant matter.  She  affects  the  foal  either  for  good  or  evil 
through  all  of  her  conditions  during  the  period  of  gestation  and 
lactation.  A  life  of  duty  is  most  conducive  not  only  to  the 
health  of  the  mare,  but  to  that  of  the  offspring  as  well.  This 
cannot  be  too  strongly  borne  in  mind.  She  should  be  protected 
from  everything  likely  to  create  disturbance  of  her  nervous  sys- 
tem. A  sudden  gust  of  passion,  fear,  or  excitement  will  tell  upon 
the  offspring.  And  it  must  be  remembered  that  pregnancy  occa- 
sions in  some  mares,  in  the  early  months,  a  very  excitable  state 
of  their  nervous  system,  yet  without  disease.  In  consequence  of 
this  continued  irritation,  the  temper  of  such  animals  is  some- 
times rendered  less  gentle  and  patient  than  is  consistent  with 
their  usual  character.  Bear  this  in  mind,  and  do  not  cuff  them 
about.  The  low,  damp,  dark  stables  of  our  cities,  sometimes 
under  ground,   are  sources  of  great  mischief  to  the  pregnant 


THE    MARE HEK    QUALITIES    AND    TREATxMEJMT.  45 

mare.  The  stables  should  be  light,  airy,  and  free  from  contami- 
nating influences.  Any  neglect,  exposure,  and  abuse  will  tell 
upon  the  young  animal.  The  mare  should  do  light  work  up  to 
within  five  or  six  weeks  of  foaling,  at  which  time  she  should  be 
relieved  of  all  service  until  a  month  or  six  weeks  after  foaling. 
As  she  nears  the  time  of  foaling  she  should  be  removed  from 
other  animals  and  kept  where  she  can  be  watched,  so  that  if  any 
difficulty  arise  during  parturition  assistance  may  be  obtained 
promptly. 

After  thirty  days  the  mare  may  again  be  put  to  the  horse;  but, 
as  said  before,  it  is  best  to  breed  every  other  year.  Pregnancy 
alters  the  character  of  the  milk.  It  is  evident  that  a  small  num- 
ber become  pregnant  during  lactation.  Sr.  Trail  says:  ''That 
conception  should  not  occur  during  lactation  is  very  clear.  It  is 
certainly  not  in  accordance  with  physiological  law,  nor  is  it  pro- 
bable tliat  a  woman  while  nursing  one  child  will  develop  so  per- 
fectly the  ovum  for  another." 

Grass  when  it  can  be  obtained  is  the  best  food  for  the  mare. 
If  in  the  time  of  pasture  she  will  need  but  little  grain.  In  the 
latter  month  of  gestation  the  food  should  be  increased.  The 
mare  then  has  both  the  foal  and  herself  to  support.  She  should 
never  be  allowed  to  fall  off  and  become  poor,  and  on  the  other 
hand  a  plethoric  condition  is  objectionable.  The  food  given 
should  be  of  the  best  quality  in  order  to  make  pregnant  mares 
healthy,  to  strengthen  them  generally  and  locally. 

PARTURITION. 

This  is  performed  in  the  mare  in  its  natural  way  with  no  suf- 
fering. It  is  a  perfectly  natural  function  with  them,  as  it  should 
be  with  all  living  creatures.  All  females  in  perfect  health  pass 
through  their  time  of  trial  with  comparative  case.  Nature  never 
intended  that  they  should  be  tortured  when  fulfilling  her  laws. 
The  perversion  of  nature's  laws  has  brought  about  suffering  in 
the  human  family.  The  only  cases  accompanied  with  suffering 
in  the  mare  are  where  her  body  is  diseased,  or  where  she  has 


46  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

associated  with  a  horse  larger  than  herself.  In  severe  cases 
anaesthetics  shonld  be  used  to  relieve  pain.  When  there  is  diffi- 
culty in  producing  the  fetus,  recourse  should  be  had  to  the  ergot 
of  rye.  Half-ounce  doses  should  be  given  every  half  hour.  The 
manipulation  should  be  gentle  and  continued,  using  as  little 
force  as  possible.  Tlie  mare  should  be  assisted  gently  during 
each  labor  pain.  If  after  a  certain  time  some  progress  has  been 
made  with  the  ergot,  it  may  be  suspended  for  awhile;  but  if  all 
progress  is  evidently  suspended  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  par- 
turition instruments.  Such  cases  should  be  intrusted  to  the  vete- 
rinary surgeon,  as  he  will  have  perhaps  the  proper  instruments 
to  make  the  case  easy  and  free  from  danger  of  injury  to  the  mare. 
The  abnormal  presentations  of  the  fetus  in  the  lower  animals  are 
frequent,  and  found  in  almost  every  conceivable  shape.  Mon- 
strosities are  sometimes  met  with.  By  this  is  meant  a  deformed 
fetus.  Such  can  only  be  removed  by  the  performance  of  em- 
bryotomy, and  should  always  be  entrusted  to  the  surgeon  as 
early  as  possible.  In  some  cases  it  is  advisable  to  perform  the 
Csesarian  operation,  a  removal  of  the  fetus  from  the  side.  Occa- 
sionally labor  pains  come  on  and  persist  for  a  considerable  length 
of  time,  but  it  is  observed  that,  instead  of  being  strong  and 
powerful  as  they  should  be,  the  contractions  are  weak  and  inade- 
quate to  the  task  of  expelling  the  fetus.  In  such  a  case  the 
bladder  and  rectum  should  be  emptied  and  stimulants  admin- 
istered. Pressure  may  be  applied  in  the  region  of  the  utenis,  the 
OS  uteri  should  be  smeared  with  belladonna  tr.  and  ergot  of  rye 
used.  Injection  of  tepid  water  into  the  vagina  is  of  great  as- 
sistance. 

After  delivery,  if  tlie  umbilical  artery  does  not  sever  of  its 
own  accord,  it  should  be  ligatured  by  a  silk  cord  about  two  inches 
from  the  umbilical  opening  and  severed  from  the  fetal  mem- 
branes. 

Retention  of  the  Placenta. — Petention  of  the  placenta  be- 
yond a  reasonable  length  of  time  frequently  occurs.  The  symp- 
tom generally  present  in  such  case  is  the  umbilical  cord  hanging 


THE    MARE HER    QUALITIES    AND    TREATMENT.  47 

from  the  vulva.  It  should  not  be  removed  immediately  after 
birth  of  the  young  animal,  as  it  may  come  away  of  its  own  accord 
in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours. 

Savan,  laurel,  anise  seed,  soda  carbonate,  etc.,  have  been 
recommended,  but  their  efficacy,  to  say  the  least,  is  doubtful. 
To  remove  them  the  surgeon  must  oil  his  arm  and  carefully 
manipulate  the  attachment  of  the  envelops  from  the  uterus,  and 
remove  them  by  breaking  the  attachments  with  the  fingers.  The 
membranes  should  never  be  pulled  away.  Where  this  is  done 
the  animal  dies  from  its  effects. 


IV. 
THE  COLT. 

The  animal  is  a  foal,  irrespective  of  sex,  from  birtli  until 
weaned;  a  weanling',  when  weaned,  nntil  it  becomes  a  yearling. 
The  male  animal  is  a  colt  nntil  the  month. is  made  or  nntil  cas- 
trated; cnstoni  has,  however,  accepted  the  first  indication  of  the 
corner  teeth,  or  fonr  years,  as  the  age  at  which  he  becomes  a 
horse ;  a  gelding,  after  castration,  at  any  age ;  a  horse,  or  stallion, 
after  the  month  is  made,  or  earlier,  if  he  stands  for  serv^ice;  a 
ridgling,  if  one  testicle  has  not  descended  to  the  scrotnm.  The 
female  is  a  filly  nntil  the  month  is  made  or  nntil  bred;  a  mare, 
after  the  month  is  made,  or  soo'ier,  if  bred. 

The  ass  is  a  foal  nntil  weaned;  after  that  the  male  animal  is  a 
jack;  the  female  animal  is  a  jenny.  The  male  mnle  is  known  as 
a  jack  mnle  irrespective  of  gelding,  and  the  female  as  a  jenny 
mnle.  The  hybrid  foal  of  the  male  ass  and  the  mare  is  the  trne 
mnle.  That  between  the  stallion  and  the  female  ass  is  called  the 
hinny. 

Cattle. — The  animal  is  calf  nntil  six  months  old,  the  natnral 
time  for  weaning;  a  bnllock  or  bnll  is  the  male  animal;  a  steer 
is  the  castrated  male  cattle.  He  is  called  an  ox  calf  or  bnll  calf 
nntil  twelve  months  old;  a  steer  nntil  he  is  fonr  years  old,  and 
after  that  an  ox  or  bnllock.  A  stag  is  a  castrated  male;  a  heifer 
is  a  female  nntil  bred,  or  nntil  the  month  is  made;  a  cow  is  the 
female  after  breeding,  or  when  the  month  is  made. 

Sheep. — The  animal  is  a  lamb  nntil  a  year  old;  a  ram  or  a  tnp 
when  over  eighteen  months  old,  and  has  its  first  intermediate 
permanent  teeth.  A  ewe,  when  female  over  eighteen  months 
old  and  with  its  first  temporary  teeth.  A  wether,  when  a  cas- 
trated male.  A  hog,  hogget,  is  the  young  sheep  before  it  has 
been  shorn. 

(48) 


•  THE    COLT.  49 

Swine. — The  young  animal  is  a  snckling  until  weaned;  a 
roaster  from  four  to  eight  weeks  old;  a  pig  until  a  year  old,  male 
or  female.  A  porkling  is  a  young  hog  or  pig  of  either  sex.  A 
boar  is  the  adult  male;  the  sow  the  adult  female.  A  shoat  is  a 
grownng  yoimg  hog;  a  bari'ow  is  a  castrated  hog;  a  farrow  is  a 
litter  of  pigs. 

Goat. — The  animal  is  a  kid  until  a  year  old;  a  billy  i^  the 
male  and  the  nanny  is  the  female. 

Dog. — A  puppy  is  the  young  animal.  A  dog  is  the  adult 
male;  a  bitch  or  slut  is  the  female. 

Chickens.- — A  cock  is  the  male;  a  cockerel  is  a  young  cock;  a 
stag  is  a  young  game  cock;  a  capon  is  a  young  castrated  male;  a 
hen  is  the  female ;  a  pullet  is  the  young  female. 

TREATMENT  OF  THE  COLT. 

The  little  colt  when  four  or  five  days  old  frequently  suffers 
with  indigestion,  and  if  not  attended  to  will  die  in  a  short  time. 
This  is  due  to  changes  in  the  mother's  milk,  the  treatment  of 
which  will  be  found  in  other  chapters.  If  the  mother  is  worked 
on  the  road,  the  colt  should  not  be  allowed  to  follow  her.  If 
allowed  to  travel  on  hard  roads,  it  weakens  the  limbs  and  causes 
ringbones  and  spavins.  He  may,  however,  be  allowed  to  accom- 
pany the  mother  on  short  trips.  The  colt,  if  strong,  may  be 
weaned  when  six  months  old.  If  the  youngster  is  thin  and 
weakly  he  may  be  allowed  to  suck  longer.  Fall  nolts  should 
always  be  allowed  the  mother's  milk  till  the  grass  comes  on  in 
the  spring.  The  little  colt  should  never  be  weaned  during  the 
severe  cold  of  winter.  At  weaning  the  colt  shouhl  be  removed 
from  the  sight  and  hearing  of  the  mother.  By  this  course  she 
will  soon  become  reconciled  to  her  loss.  The  mare  should  be 
milked  a  few  times  after  the  colt  has  been  taken  away  and  the 
glands  bathed  with  the  tincture  of  belladona.  This  will  dry  up 
the  secretion  of  milk  and  ])revent  inflammation.  The  little  colt 
should  be  allowed  to  eat  while  sucking  his  mother.  A  little  box 
should  be  placed  along  by  the  side  of  his  mother,  where  he  can 
4 


50  'fHE    STOCK    OWNER^S  ADVISEE. 

easily  reach  it.  He  will  enjoy  a  nice  chop  feed,  and  it  will  help 
him  ont  considerably  when  he  is  being-  weaned.  The  colt  should 
receive  the  best  of  attention  during  the  time  of  weaning  and 
while  he  is  young.  Bad  treatment  at  this  age  will  weaken  him 
for  life,  and  he  is  too  frequently  a  victim  of  cruel  neglect.  Un- 
sheltered from  the  bleak  winds  and  snows  of  winter,  his  vital 
energies  receive  a  shock  from  which  he  will  never  wholly  re- 
cover.   He  not  only  loses  a  year's  growth,  but  is  injured  for  life. 

COLT  AT  FIVE  DAYS. 

The  foal's  education  should  begin  when  he  is  five  days  old. 
The  foal  may  be  educated  as  well  as  the  child,  and  wise  people 
have  said  that  it  is  never  too  early  to  begin.  The  rules  which 
govern  in  the  human  are  applicable  to  the  lower  animals.  The 
prevailing  practice  among  farmers  and  stock-raisers  is  to  let  the 
colt  remain  unbroken  until  he  is  considered  of  suitable  age  to  be 
put  to  work.  This  is  not  only  a  dangerous  method  to  the  colt, 
but  to  the  trainer  as  well.  A  great  many  are  spoilt  or  injured  so 
that  they  are  always  unreliable  to  work,  or  rendered  unfit  from 
the  abrupt  manner  in  which  they  are  brought  into  services.  We 
cannot  too  greatly  condemn  this  practice.  If  the  stock-raiser 
would  take  into  consideration  the  amount  of  money  lost  he  would 
at  once  lay  aside  his  old  methods.  He  disposes  of  his  colt  at  a 
great  sacrifice,  probably  one-third  of  its  value,  rather  than  go 
through  with  the  ordeal  of  breaking.  If  the  little  colt  is  trained 
at  the  proper  time,  and  the  training  carried  out  until  he  becomes 
a  horse,  he  will  never  know  what  breaking  means.  Take  him  in 
hand  at  once  and  gentle  him.  IS^ever  let  him  know  Avhat  fear  is, 
and  yet  you. must  control  him.  There  should  never  be  a  time 
when  the  colt  does  not  recognize  the  mastery  of  his  keeper  and 
the  necessity  for  obedience.  Be  gentle  and  kind  to  him,  allowing 
him  to  examine  you  thoroughly.  Whatever  he  understands  to 
be  harmless  he  does  not  fear.  In  moving  up  to  him,  if  he  should 
show  fear,  be  gentle  and  move  carefully,  and  he  will  soon  com- 
prehend that  you  are  harmless,  if  allowed  the  privilege  of  exam- 


THE    COLT.  51 

ining  and  understanding  yon  in  his  own  way,  by  smelling  and 
breathing  with  the  nose.  At  this  age  the  little  animal  should  not 
know  that  sneh  a  thing  as  a  whip  exists.  If  you  strike  him  with 
the  whip,  he  will  probably  shy  from  you  and  the  whip  as  long  as 
he  lives.  You  should  teach  him  to  love  you,  which  he  will 
readily  do  if  kindly  treated.  His  affection  for  his  master  is  not 
as  strong  as  that  of  the  dog;  if  you  cruelly  treat  him  or  whi]i  him 
he  will  lose  his  affection  for  you,  while  the  dog  may  be  whipped 
and  will  even  love  you  better.  Now  that  you  have  gotten  up  to 
him,  and  he  has  learnt  that  you  will  not  hurt  him,  pat  and  caress 
him.  Handle  him  every  day  until  he  is  perfectly  gentle  and 
knows  no  fear.  It  is  at  this  early  age  that  most  of  the  vices  of 
the  mature  horse  are  begotten.  If  the  colt  is  left  to  himself  with- 
out proper  training,  he  will  just  as  certainly  run  into  bad  habits 
and  those  vices  which  so  much  detract  from  the  value  of  many 
horses.  The  fundamental  law  of  education  applies  to  the  colt, 
and  as  "a  child  left  to  himself  bringeth  his  mother  to  shame," 
so  a  colt  left  to  himself  brmgeth  his  master  into  trouble. 

The  little  colt  forms  bad  habits  at  this  age,  and  if  not  pre- 
vented or  broken  while  young  the  habit  becomes  strengthened 
by  long  continuance.  Some  habits  formed  in  the  adult  can  never 
be  broken;  for  instance,  the  crib  biter,  wind  sucker,  and  weaver. 
It  is  much  easier  to  keep  the  colt  from  acquiring  ugly  tricks 
than  it  is  to  break  mature  horses  of  any  settled  vice.  If  the  work 
of  educating  the  colt  be  neglected,  no  subsequent  pains  will 
likely  make  good  the  deficiency.  The  colt  of  three  or  four  years, 
unbroken  and  untamed,  is  like  the  youth  who  has  never  known 
parental  control.  He  forms  such  tricks  as  backing,  shying,  kick- 
ing, rearing,  running  away,  breaking  the  halter,  continued  res- 
tiveness;  is  vicious,  nervous,  fretful,  kicks  in  the  stall,  and  can 
seldom  be  taught  to  stand  without  hitching.  AVe  must  win  the 
colt's  confidence,  which  may  be  done  by  uniform  actions  of  a 
kindly  disjiosition.  He  takes  man  exactly  for  what  he  proves 
himself  by  actions.    By  kind  treatnient  he  leariis  to  associate  with 


52  THE  STOCK  ownp:r  s  adviser. 

man's  feelings  of  protection  and  secnrity,  and  lie  can  have  no 
fear  or  doubt,  because  never  taught  to  doubt  by  deception. 

The  stock-raiser  should  decide  what  his  colt  is  best  suited  for, 
what  place  he  shall  fill,  and  then  conduct  the  whole  process  of 
training  with  a  view  to  the  especial  purpose  selected.  It  may  be 
laid  down,  as  a  rule,  that  the  colt  is  susceptible  of  training  for 
whatever  service  is  desired  of  him,  and  that  no  failures  would 
occur  if  his  peculiar  adaptedness  were  properly  studied  and  un- 
derstood. We  may  mould  and  fashion  his  disposition,  control 
his  actions,  teach  him  obedience  and  submission,  and  habituate 
him  to  the  performance  of  whatever  duty  is  deemed  best  for  him. 
If  properly  trained,  he  will  be  safe  and  true  and  free  from  vice 
in  almost  every  instance.  The  colt  now  should  frequently  have 
his  legs  lifted,  his  head  and  ears  handled,  his  neck  and  body 
stroked.  All  this  he  should  be  perfectly  familiar  with  before 
weaning.  The  bridle  may  now  be  put  on,  simply  allowing  him 
to  champ  the  bit  awhile  on  the  first  occasion.  After  he  has  be- 
come accustomed  to  wearing  it  by  having  it  put  on  three  or  four 
times,  he  may  be  lead  about  with  it  a  little  longer  and  further 
each  time.  The  first  few  times  this  is  done  it  should  be  by  the 
side  of  his  mother,  and  while  she  is  being  led  along;  then  he  may 
follow  at  a  little  distance  behind  her,  and  presently  he  may  be 
taken  a  few  paces  in  advance  of  her. 

HOW  TO  LEAD  THE  COLT  WITH  A  BROKE  HORSE. 

Having  the  mare  and  colt  in  the  stable,  attach  a  second  strap 
to  the  colt's  1  iridic  or  halter,  and  lead  the  mother  u]>  alongside 
him.  Then  get  on  the  broke  horse  and  take  one  strap  around  his 
breast  under  the  martingale  (if  he  has  any  on),  holding  it  in  your 
left  hand.  This  will  prevent  the  colt  from  getting  back  too  far. 
Take  the  other  strap  in  your  right  hand  to  prevent  his  running 
ahead;  then  turn  him  about  in  the  stable,  and  if  the  door  is  wide 
enough,  ride  out  with  him  in  that  position ;  if  not,  take  the  broke 
horse  out  first  pnd  stand  his  breast  up  against  the  door,  then  lead 
the  colt  to  the  same  spot  and  take  the  straps  as  before  directed, 


THE    COLT.  58 

one  on  each  side  of  his  neck,  and  then  let  some  one  start  the  colt 
out,  turning  your  horse  to  the  left.  Any  kind  and  aged  colt  may 
be  managed  this  way  without  trouble,  for  if  he  tries  to  run  ahead 
or  pull  back  the  two  straps  will  bring  the  two  facing  each  other, 
so  that  you  can  very  easily  follow  up  his  movements  without 
doing  much  holding.  If  he  gets  stubborn  and  does  not  want  to 
go,  you  can  remove  all  his  stubbornness  by  riding  your  horse 
against  his  neck,  thus  compelling  him  to  turn  to  the  right,  and 
as  soon  as  turned  about  a  few  times  he  will  be  willing  to  go 
along.  He  may  now  be  haltered.  The  rope  halter  should  not 
be  used.  A  good,  strong  leather  halter  should  be  used  so  as  not 
to  hurt  his  mouth.  Be  as  kind  and  gentle  toward  him  as  ])ossible, 
but  always  continuing  the  attitude  of  master.  He  must  be  made 
to  understand  that  his  master's  will  is  his  highest  law,  and  that 
no  alternative  is  open  to  his  choice.  Do  not  suffer  him  at  any 
time  to  obtain  any  advantage  in  pulling  about  by  the  halter  or 
bridle,  or  in  running  away.  The  latter  occurrence  even  once 
may  nearly  ruin  him.  It  will  take  months  of  careful  manage- 
ment to  correct  its  evil  effects,  and  often  it  forms  the  l)eginning 
of  a  series  of  bad  habits. 

HOW  TO  PROCEED  WITH  THE   COLT  AFTER  HALTERING. 

Stand  on  the  left  side,  pretty  well  back  to  his  shoulders,  taking- 
hold  of  that  part  of  the  halter  that  goes  around  his  neck,  then 
with  your  two  hands  about  his  neck  you  can  hold  his  head  to  you 
and  raise  the  halter  on  it  without  making  him  dodge  by  jiutting 
your  hands  about  his  nose.  A  long  rope  should  be  ready,  and  as 
soon  as  you  have  the  halter  on,  attach  this  to  it  so  that  you  can 
let  him  walk  the  length  of  the  stable  without  letting  go  the  strap. 
When  he  runs  fi'om  you  it  is  licst  to  give  him  rope.  V>y  doing  so 
he  will  not  rear  up  or  throw  himself,  and  still  you  wijl  be  hold- 
ing him  and  doing  more  towards  gentling  him  than  if  you  had 
the  power  to  snul)  him  right  up  and  hold  him  to  one  spot.  In  a 
few  minutes  you  can  begin  to  control  him  with  the  halter;  then 
shorten  the  distance  between  yourself  and  the  colt  by  taking  up 


54  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

the  strap  in  your  hand.  As  soon  as  he  will  allow  you  to  hold  him 
by  a  tolerably  short  strap  and  to  step  up  to  him  without  flying- 
back  you  can  begin  to  give  him  some  idea  about  leading.  In 
doing  this  pull  him  to  one  side.  This  can  easily  be  done.  When 
he  steps  to  one  side  pat  and  caress  him  and  repeat  until  you  can 
walk  about  the  stable  with  him.  If  he  is  given  several  lessons  of 
this  kind  at  proper  intervals  he  will  become  so  tame  that  he  will 
come  to  be  caressed  while  out  in  the  pastures. 

HOW  TO  PROCEED  WITH  THE  BRIDLE. 

To  accustom  the  colt  to  the  bit,  you  should  use  a  large,  smooth 
snaffle,  with  a  bar  at  each  side.  This  should  be  attached  to  the 
head  stall  of  the  bridle;  put  it  in  without  any  reins,  and  let  him 
run  loose  in  a  large  stable  for  some  time.  Repeat  this  several 
times.  Reins  should  then  be  attached  to  the  bit,  and  the  animal 
handled  with  the  bit  until  h-^  is  thoroughly  accustomed  to  it. 

TO  ACCUSTOM  HIM  TO  THE  SADDLE. 

The  saddle  should  now  be  brought  out.  The  fivst  thing  is  to 
tie  each  stirrup  strap  in  a  knot  to  make  them  short,  preventing 
them  from  flying  about  and  hitting  him.  Then  double  up  the 
skirts  and  take  the  saddle  in  your  right  arm  so  as  not  to  frighten 
him  with  it  when  you  approach.  When  you  get  to  him,  rub 
him  gently  a  few  tinu'S  with  your  hand,  then  raise  the  saddle 
very  slowly  until  he  can  see  it  and  smell  and  feel  it  with  hi^^  nose. 
Then  let  the  skirts  loose  and  rub  them  very  gently  against  his 
neck,  the  way  the  hair  lays,  letting  him  hear  the  rattle  of  the 
skirts  and  feel  them  against  him,  each  time  a  little  further  back- 
ward, and  finally  slip  it  over  on  his  back.  Shake  it  a  little  with 
your  hand,  and  in  less  than  five  minutes  you  can  rattle  it  about 
over  his  back  as  you  please,  pull  it  off  and  tlirow  it  on  again  with- 
out his  paying  much  attention  to  it. 

As  soon  as  you  have  accustomed  him  to  a  saddle,  fasten  the 
girth.  Be  careful  about  this.  It  often  frightens  the  colt  when 
he  feels  the  girth  binding  him.     You  should  bring  up  the  girth 


THE    COLT.  55 

very  gently  and  not  draw  it  too  tight  at  first,  just  tight  enough 
to  hold  the  saddle  on.  Move  him  a  little  and  then  girth  it  as 
tight  as  you  choose,  and  he  will  not  mind  it.  You  should  then 
lead  him  about  the  stable  a  few  times  and  remove  the  saddle  and 
replace  it  again.  The  saddle  should  not  have  any  loose  straps 
about  it  to  flap  about  and  scare  him.  After  he  becomes  thor- 
oughly accustomed  to  the  saddle,  and  is  not  afraid  to  see  you  any- 
where about  him,  and  will  follow  anywhere  you  want  him  to  go 
with  the  saddle  on,  you  may  now  proceed  to  mount  the  colt. 

HOW  TO  MOUNT  THE  COLT. 

You  should  always  be  alone  and  have  your  colt  in  some  light 
stable  the  first  time  you  ride  him.  You  should  pass  all  around 
him,  move  the  saddle  skirts,  and  see  that  they  cannot  frighten 
him.  You  may  now  place  a  block  by  the  side  of  the  colt  and 
get  on  the  block.  If  he  becomes  frightened  at  your  appearing 
higher  than  usual  repeat  the  lesson  until  fear  is  removed.  Lean 
on  the  saddle  put  your  foot  in  the  stirrup,  and  allow  him  to  bear 
your  weight.  Allow  your  knees  to  rest  against  him  and  your  toe 
to  touch  him  under  the  fore  shoulder.  Repeat  this  several  times, 
or  until  the  horse  becomes  thoroughly  accustomed  to  it.  You 
may  now  raise  your  leg  over  his  croup  and  he  will  not  become 
frightened.  When  you  take  these  precautions  there  is  no  horse 
so  wild  but  that  you  can  mount  him  without  making  him  jump. 
I  have  tried  it  on  the  worst*  horses  that  can  be  found,  and  have 
never  failed  in  any  case.  When  mounting,  your  horse  should 
always  stand  without  being  held. 

HOW  TO  RIDE  THE   COLT. 

When  you  want  a  colt  to  start  do  not  touch  him  on  the  side 
with  your  heel  or  strike  him  with  the  whip.  At  once  speak  to 
him  kindly,  and  if  he  does  not  start  pull  him  a  little  to  the  left 
until  he  does  so,  then  let  him  walk  off  slowly  with  the  reins  loose. 
Ride  him  around  in  the  stable,  turning  him  from  side  to  side 
until  he  becomes  used  to  the  bit.     Get  on  and  off  until  he  will 


56  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

stand  when  you  get  into  the  saddle.  Get  on  from  both  sides 
until  he  becomes  thoroughly  familiar  with  the  movements  and 
will  not  move.  After  you  have  trained  him  this  way  for  several 
hours  you  can  ride  him  anywhere  without  having  him  jump  or 
make  an  effort  to  throw  you.  When  you  first  take  him  out  of 
the  stable  be  very  gentle  with  him,  as  he  will  feel  a  little  more 
at  liberty  to  jump  or  run,  and  be  easier  frightened  than  while 
in  the  stable.  When  you  mount  a  colt  take  a  little  the  shorter 
hold  on  the  left  rein,  so  that  if  anything  frightens  him  you  can 
prevent  him  from  jumping  by  pulling  his  head  around.  This 
operation  of  pulling  a  horse's  head  round  against  his  side  will 
prevent  him  from  jumping  ahead,  rearing  up,  or  running  away. 
If  he  is  stubborn  and  will  not  go,  you  can  make  him  move  by 
pulling  his  head  around  to  one  side  when  whipping  would  have 
no  effect.  Turn  him  around  and  around  until  he  becomes  dizzy, 
then  let  him  have  his  head  and  give  him  a  little  touch  with  the 
whip,  and  he  will  go  along  without  any  trouble.  The  martingale 
should  never  be  used  while  the  colt  is  learning.  He  should  now 
be  perfectly  gentle  and  familiar  with  the  halter,  bridle,  saddle, 
and  the  different  parts  of  the  harness,  and  should  be  accustomed 
to  follow  readily,  when  led  by  either  the  halter  or  bridle,  and  to 
:Ltand  tied  either  in  company  with  other  horses  or  alone.  The 
colt  should  now  be  tied  by  the  side  of  some  old  and  steady  horse 
in  the  shafts  and  led  along  until  he  becomes  familiar  with  the 
harness,  shafts,  buggy,  and  feels  that  he  is  quite  in  his  line  of 
duty.  He  must  now  be  taught  the  use  and  guidance  of  the  lines. 
The  lines  should  be  transferred  to  the  colt,  and  with  some  one  to 
lead  let  him  be  driven  around  for  awhile  in  company.  This 
should  be  done  until  he  is  thoroughly  accustomed  to  it.  He  may 
now  be  put  in  the  shafts,  which  should  be  gently  lowered  upon 
his  side.  The  buggy  should  be  pulled  along  with  the  colt  in  the 
shafts  for  a  distance,  then  the  traces  may  be  fastened.  He  will 
now  take  his  first  lesson  in  drawing  the  buggy,  which  is  to  be 
commenced  slowly  and  carefully.  First  move  the  old  horse 
along,  when  the  colt  will  naturally  move  off  also;  he  should  not 


THE    COLT.  57 

be  allowed  to  stop  until  he  becomes  evidently  tired.  The  old 
horse  throughout  this  exercise  should  have  a  saddle  on  and  the 
bridle  over  his  neck  ready  for  riding.  If  the  colt  moves  off 
freely  and  kindly,  after  a  few  minutes  let  the  person  at  the  head 
lead  the  old  horse  a  little  way  in  advance,  gradually  increasing 
the  distance  until  he  is  several  lengths  ahead  of  the  colt  in  the 
shafts.  Without  stopping  the  old  hor'se,  let  the  assistant  now 
spring  into  the  saddle  and  keep  lengthening  the  distance  between 
them,  until  at  length  the  old  horse  is  taken  entirely  out  of  sight 
of  the  colt.  During  these  lessons  he  should  be  taught  to  stop, 
start,  and  back.  It  will  be  a  little  difficult  to  teach  him  to  back. 
Have  him  back  only  a  few  steps  at  first,  gradually  increasing 
until  he  backs  readily.  All  of  these  performances  are  designed  to 
accustom  the  colt  to  the  bridle,  the  harness,  the  shafts  of  the 
buggy,  and  the  guidance  of  the  lines,  and  to  complete  the  w^ork 
of  gentling  before  he  has  strength  or  inclination  to  disobey.  He 
should  take  his  lessons  frequently,  but  without  requiring  from 
him  any  real  labor  while  young  and  tender.  His  health  at  this 
period  should  not  be  neglected.  He  now  begins  cutting  his  per- 
manent teeth.  In  children  a  similar  irritation  is  caused  by  the 
cutting  of  deciduous  teeth.  This  interferes  with  his  feeding. 
He  often  cuds  his  food  and  wastes  more  or  less  of  it.  The  gums 
are  reddened  by  an  excess  of  blood,  swollen  and  tender.  The 
irritation  may  extend  to  and  cause  a  slightly  deranged  condition 
of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  giving  rise  to  constipation,  diarrhoea, 
etc.  Good  wood  ashes  with  plenty  of  salt  kept  constantly  in  the 
feeding  troughs  will  have  the  happiest  effect  in  abating  the  evils 
referred  to  and  in  mitigating  the  suffering  of  colthood.  Sulphur 
should  be  fed  also.  This  has  a  good  effect  on  the  colt  in  two 
ways — preventing  disease  and  keeping  away  lice  of  every  descrip- 
tion that  so  frequently  infest  the  young  colt  when  not  in  good 
condition.  His  food  should  be  similar  to  that  described  for  the 
weanling,  except  that  it  should  be  given  in  larger  quantities. 
This  is  the  most  favorable  time  for  castration,  which  will  be  dis- 
cussed at  length  in  the  future  pages  of  this  work. 


58  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE. 

THE  COLT— HIS  EDUCATION  AND  CARE  AT  TWO  YEARS  OLD. 

During  the  third  year,  the  colt  should  be  continued  in  the 
same  training  as  before,  and  occasionally  he  may  make  short  trips 
in  the  buggy.  His  work  should  be  light  during  this  year.  He 
should  not  be  driven  or  worked  hard.  This  is  the  time  to  train 
him  for  the  saddle.  A  person  of  small  weight  may  get  on  his 
back,  but  no  attempt  should  be  made  to  ride  him  until  he  has 
been  frequently  mounted.  His  lessons  should  follow  in  the 
natural  order  until  he  has  been  ridden,  and  then  he  should  be 
ridden  often,  not  merely  for  the  purpose  of  gentling  him,  but  to 
accustom  him  to  the  road  and  the  different  objects  to  be  met  with 
along  the  way. 

BREAKING  YOUNG  COLTS. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  farmers  and  stock-raisers  do  not 
appreciate  the  importance  of  attending  to  the  work  of  gentling 
and  training  during  the  susceptible  years  of  the  colt  age  If 
they  would  carry  out  the  system  of  gentling  and  training  as  pre- 
viously laid  down  in  this  work,  the  subject  of  breaking  would 
not  have  to  be  here  dealt  with.  While  this  is  not  done  by  many 
farmers  and  stock-raisers,  the  colt  must  not  be  neglected  and 
given  over  as  untamable  and  useless. 

The  old  method  that  has  been  handed  down  to  our  farmers  for 
ages  is  a  very  rough,  dangerous,  and  not  always  a  successful  one. 
The  colt  is  brought  up,  thrust  into  the  wagon;  his  rearing,  kick- 
ing, and  plunging  must  be  endured  until,  from  exhaustion,  the 
animal  is  reduced  to  some  degree  of  obedience.  This  method, 
however,  I  am  glad  to  say,  is  being  abandoned  for  other  and 
more  rational  modes.  The  best  known  method  of  breaking,  and 
that  which  has  proven  the  most  successful  in  my  own  hands,  is 
that  known  as  the  Rarey  method. 

RAREY  METHOD. 

This  method  consists  in  conquering  the  animal  by  depriving 
him  of  the  use  of  his  limbs  and  making  him  feel  that  he  is  utterly 


THE    COLT.  59 

powerless  in  the  hands  of  the  0})crator,  and  must  submit  to  what- 
ever is  required  of  him.  In  other  words,  it  carries  the  horse  or 
colt  through  a  rapid  and  vigorous  course  of  training,  which  is 
both  systematic  and  severe,  and  at  the  same  time  embraces  in  a 
short  space  of  time  all  the  essential  lessons  that  are  to  be  taught 
him.  This  method  was  first  instituted  by  the  late  John  S.  Rarey, 
of  Grovesport,  Franklin  county,  Ohio,  although  it  was  not  solely 
original  with  liini.  His  experience  in  training  in  this  country 
has  been  very  extensive  and  snccessfnl.  In  the  year  1852  he 
went  to  England,  and  created  such  a  sensation  there  that  it  is 
said  the  gross  proceeds  of  his  exhibitions,  lessons,  etc.,  amounted 
to  the  sum  of  £25,000,  or  about  $120,000.  Mr.  Rarey  won  his 
reputation  as  a  trainer  by  observing  the  natural  laws  that  govern 
horses.  He  exercises  reason  and  patience  in  teaching  and  con- 
trolling them,  and  has  but  little  use  for  the  whip.  While  his 
method  of  taming  the  Avild  and  vicious  horse  is  rapid  and  severe, 
it  is  the  most  humane  and  gentle  system  known.  Mr.  Rarey  uses 
an  ordinary  halter  or  head-stall,  with  the  addition  of  his  breaking 
bit,  for  all  purposes.  He  attaches  a  leading  strap  to  the  nose- 
band, either  before  or  behind.  The  bit  is  a  straight  bar  bit,  four 
and  a  half  inches  long  between  the  rings,  with  side  bars.  The 
method  of  converting  the  halter  into  a  breaking  bridle  consists 
merely  in  attaching  any  bit  that  may  be  selected  to  the  rings  con- 
necting the  check  pieces  to  the  nose  band.  The  attachment  is 
made  by  means  of  two  small  billets  and  buckles.  The  first  step 
is  to  halter  the  animal.  To  do  this  ]\Ir.  Rarey  and  liis  pupils  are 
said  to  have  resorted  to  the  use  of  drugs.  They  rub  a  little  oil 
cummin  upon  the  hands  and  ap|)roach  the  horse  on  the  windward 
side,  so  that  lie  will  smell  the  cuniniin.  '*Tlie  horse  will  permit 
you  to  come  u})  to  him  without  any  trouble.  Rub  yo\u"  hand 
gently  over  the  nose,  so  as  to  get  a  little  of  the  oil  on  it,  and  you 
can  lead  him  anywhere.  Put  eight  drops  of  the  oil  of  rhodium 
into  a  silver  thimble;  very  gently  open  the  horse's  mouth  and 
turn  the  oil  in  the  thimble  upon  his  tongue,  and  he  will  follow 
you  like  a  pet  dog,  and  is  your  i)upil  and  your  friend."     He  says 


60  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE. 

"that  there  is  nothing  that  assists  the  trainer  to  tame  his  horse 
better  than  smelling  oil."  He  says  "it  is  better  to  approach  a 
colt  with  the  scent  of  honey  or  cinnamon  upon  your  hand  than 
the  scent  of  hogs,  for  horses  naturally  fear  the  scent  of  hogs,  and 
will  attempt  to  escape  from  it,  while  they  like  the  scent  of  honey, 
cummin,  or  salt."  The  effect  of  drugs  in  horse-training  is  of 
doubtful  efficacy.  The  trainer  should  not  place  too  much  confi- 
dence in  these  supposed  benefits.  To  affect  the  horse  with  drugs, 
you  must  give  him  some  preparation  of  opium,  and  while  he  is 
under  the  influence  of  it  you  cannot  teach  him  anything  more 
than  a  man  when  he  is  intoxicated  with  liquor.  In  using  the 
anaesthetics,  such  as  ether,  chloroform,  gas,  etc.,  the  effects  would 
be  similar;  the  horse  on  recovering  from  the  effects  would  be  no 
further  advanced  in  his  lessons;  yet  it  is  admissible,  perhaps,  to 
use  essences  to  catch  a  brute  otherwise  unapproachable.  After 
the  horse  is  bridled,  the  next  step  is  to  throw  him  on  his  side. 
To  throw  a  horse,  put  a  rope  12  feet  long  around  his  body  in  a 
running  noose,  pass  it  down  to  the  right  fore  foot  through  a  ring 
in  a  spancil;  then  buckle  up  the  left  or  near  fore  foot,  take  a 
firm  hold  of  the  rope,  lead  him  around  until  he  is  tired,  give  him 
a  shove  with  your  shoulder,  at  the  same  time  drawing  up  the 
right  foot.  This  brings  him  on  his  knees;  hold  him  as  steady  as 
possible,  and  in  a  few  minutes  he  will  lie  down.  Xever  attempt 
to  hold  him  still,  for  the  more  he  scuffles  the  better.  If  the 
operator  be  an  active  man,  he  will  have  no  trouble  in  casting  the 
animal,  and  after  a  little  practice  will  be  able  to  cast  the  animal 
with  ease.  AVhen  down,  rub  and  caress  him,  treating  him  with 
tlio  utmost  gentleness,  and  every  effort  should  be  made  to  quiet 
his  fears  and  soothe  his  excitement.  He  must  be  convinced  that 
although  completely  mastered,  he  is  in  no  way  to  l)e  hurt.  The 
operator  should  stroke  his  hair  with  the  hand ;  pat  his  body,  neck, 
and  head ;  handle  his  feet,  legs,  and  ears,  thus  manipulating  every 
part  of  the  body.  The  operator  may  now  sit  down  upon  him 
and  get  all  over  him.  The  more  motions  and  changes  that  can  be 
gone  through  with  the  better.     The  harness  should  be  rubbed 


THE    COLT.  61 

over  him,  the  saddle  laid  on  him;  the  chains  rattled  over  him,  if 
used.  Continue  this  nntil  all  synn)toms  oi  fear  have  departed, 
then  allow  him  to  get  up.  When  on  his  feet,  place  the  saddle  on 
his  back  and  each  })iece  of  harness.  If  he  scares  or  jumps,  take 
them  off  and  cast  him  as  hefore.  Bring-  the  buggy  and  allow  the 
wheels  to  pass  around  him  where  he  can  see  them;  lay  the  shaft 
on  him.  Continue  this  method  until  he  is  perfectly  familiar  with 
the  saddle,  harness,  and  buggy.  AVhatever  you  undertake  to 
teach  him,  persevere  in  the  instructions  until  you  succeed.  The 
horse  must  be  thoroughly  conquered  at  the  outset;  unless  this  is 
done,  it  will  be  a  somewhat  prolonged  coui'-se  before  he  is  brought 
under  proper  subjection.  Allow  no  harsh  word  or  measures  of 
any  kind.  Let  all  your  handling  of  him  be  gentle  and  soothing, 
remembering  that  the  law  of  kindness  is  always  more  potent  than 
that  of  force.  The  directions  given  for  lireaking  the  young  colt 
to  shafts,  hitching,  saddling^,  etc.,  will  apply  none  the  less  here. 

There  is  another  very  good  method  of  taming  the  wild  and 
vicious  horse  by  the  use  of  the  knee  stra}).  When  you  desire  t(; 
subdue  a  horse  that  is  very  wild,  or  has  a  vicious  disposition,  take 
up  one  forefoot  and  bend  his  knee  till  his  hoof  is  bottom  upwards 
and  nearly  touches  his  body;  then  slip  a  loop  over  his  knee  and 
shove  it  up  until  it  comes  above  the  pastern  joint,  being  careful 
to  draw  the  loop  together  between  the  hoof  and  pastern  joint 
\vith  a  second  strap  of  some  kind  to  prevent  the  loop  from  slip- 
ping down  and  coming  off.  This  will  leave  the  horse  standing 
on  three  legs;  you  can  now  handle  him  as  you  wish,  for  he  can- 
not do  much  in  this  position.  There  is  something  in  this  opera- 
tion of  taking  up  one  foot  that  conquers  a  horse  quicker  and 
better,  considering  the  trouble,  than  anything  else,  and  there  is 
no  other  process  equal  to  it  for  breaking  a  kicking  liorsc,  for  l)y 
conquering  one  member  yon  cf)nqucr,  to  a  great  extent,  the 
whole  horse.  Wlien  you  first  fasten  uj)  a  horse's  foot  lie  will 
sometimes  get  very  mad,  and  striking  with  his  knee  and  ti'ving 
every  possible  way  to  get  it  down,  but  as  he  cannot  do  tliat  he 
will  soon  give  up  and  abandon  all  antagonistic  demonstration, 


62  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S  ADVISER. 

willing  to  obey  and  be  generally  docile.  Operate  on  your  horse 
in  this  manner  as  often  as  the  occasion  requires,  and  you  will 
soon  find  him  as  gentle  as  his  nature  will  permit.  This  method 
of  conquering  the  horse  is  less  trouble  and  less  danger  to  the 
operator  than  any  known,  for  after  you  haA'e  tied  up  his  foot  you 
can  sit  down  and  look  at  him  until  he  gives  up.  AVhen  you  find 
he  is  conquered,  go  to  him  and  let  down  his  foot,  rub  his  leg  with 
your  hand,  caress  him,  and  let  him  rest  a  few  minutes,  then  put 
it  up  again.  Eepeat  this  a  few  times,  always  putting  up  the 
same  foot,  and  he  will  soon  learn  to  travel  on  three  legs,  so  that 
you  can  drive  him  some  distance.  As  soon  as  he  gets  a  little 
used  to  this  way  of  travelling,  put  on  harness  and  hitch  him  to  a 
sulky.  If  he  is  the  worst  kicking  horse  that  ever  raised  a  foot, 
you  need  not  be  fearful  of  his  doing  any  damage  while  he  has  one 
foot  up,  for  he  cannot  kick,  neither  can  he  run  fast  enough  to 
do  any  harm.  If  he  is  the  wildest  horse  that  ever  had  harness 
on,  and  has  run  away  every  time  he  has  been  harnessed,  you  can 
now  hitch  him  to  a  sulky  and  drive  him  as  you  please.  If  he 
wants  to  run,  you  can  let  him  have  the  lines,  and  the  whip,  too, 
with  perfect  safety,  for  he  can  go  but  a  slow  gait  on  three  legs, 
and  will  soon  be  tired  and  ready  to  stop.  Thus  you  will  effectu- 
ally cure  him  of  any  farther  notion  of  running  off. 

This  method  is  the  best  known  for  breaking  a  kicking  horse. 
There  are  plenty  of  ways  by  which  you  can  hitch  a  kicking  horse 
and  force  him  to  go,  though  he  kicks  all  the  time,  but  this  does 
not  have  any  good  effect  towards  breaking  him,  for  we  know  that 
horses  kick  because  they  are  afraid  of  what  is  behind  them,  and 
when  they  kick  against  it  and  it  hurts  them  they  only  kick 
harder.  By  the  new  method  you  can  harness  them  to  a  rattling- 
sulky,  plow,  wagon,  or  anything  else  in  its  worst  shape.  They 
may  be  frightened  at  first,  but  cannot  kick  or  do  anything  to 
hurt  themselves,  and  soon  finding  that  you  do  not  intend  to  hurt 
them,  they  will  not  care  anything  about  it.  You  can  then  let 
down  the  leg,-  and  drive  along  gently  without  any  further  trouble. 


I 


*riite  COLT.  63 

The  kicking  horse  can  be  taught  to  be  gentle  in  harness  in  a  few 
hours'  time. 

THE  EUREKA  BRIDLE. 

While  a  pupil  of  Prof.  O.  R.  Gleason,  who  has  great  reputa- 
tion in  this  country  and  abroad  as  a  horse  trainer,  we  were  taught 
to  use  the  Eureka  bridle  in  leading'and  handling  the  colt.  It  is 
the  most  powerful  means  of  learning  the  colt  to  lead.  There  is 
one  objection  to  the  use  of  it,  however,  in  the  training  of  the 
innocent  colt,  for  persons  are  apt  to  be  inconsiderate  in  its  use. 
Instead  of  using  it  with  utmost  mildness,  a  little  resistance  on 
the  part  of  the  colt  is  made  an  excuse  to  use  it  in  the  most  severe 
manner,  until  the  colt  either  submits  unconditionally  or  becomes 
so  desperate  with  pain  as  to  be  entirely  reckless. 

HOW  TO  MAKE  THE  EUREKA  BRIDLE. 

Take  a  sash  cord  or  a  small  hemp  rope  about  three-eighths  of 
an  inch.  Let  it  be  about  fifteen  feet  long;  tie  one  end  into  a 
hard  knot  just  as  you  would  to  prevent  its  raveling;  tie  another 
knot  about  ten  inches  or  a  little  more  from  the  one  on  the  end, 
but  before  you  draw  it  tight  put  the  knot  on  the  end  through. 
You  have  now  a  loop  that  will  not  slip,  made  on  the  principle  of 
the  hitching  rope  tied  around  the  neck  of  the  horse  so  as  not  to 
tighten  upon  the  neck  by  pulling.  This  loop  should  be  just 
large  enough  to  slip  over  the  under  jaw;  put  this  loop  over  the 
lower  jaw  while  standing  on  the  near  side,  take  the  cord  in  the 
left  hand,  and  bring  over  the  neck  by  passing  the  left  hand 
under  the  neck  to  the  opposite  side  towards  the  mane;  bring  the 
right  hiind  over  the  neck  and  take  the  cord  from  the  left  and 
pass  back  to  the  loop,  and  put  through  from  the  top  side  until 
the  ])art  over  the  neck  is  drawn  like  a  check  rein;  now  take  hold 
of  the  end  of  the  rein,  and  you  have  a  means  of  power  in  it  that 
makes  the  strongest  horse  almost  a  plaything  in  your  hands.  In 
using  the  Eureka  bridle  as  a  means  of  subduing  the  colt,  it  is 
best  to  use  the  knee  strap,  tampering  him  on  three  legs.  As  soon 
as  he  submits  cleverly  to  this  step,  instead  of  fastening  up  the 


04  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

leg  by  the  method  already  described,  take  off  your  strap.  Then 
put  on  the  Eureka  bridle  gently  and  step  to  one  side  and  back 
and  say,  "Come  here,  sir!"  pulling  a  very  little  upon  the  bridle, 
just  enough  to  bring  his  head  towards  you  a  little.  ]^ow  step 
up  to  him  and  pat  him  on  the  neck,  saying,  '^You  are  a  fine  fel- 
low." Then  try  again  the  same  way,  and  so  repeat  until  he  will 
come  quite  freely;  you  may  increase  your  force  upon  the  bridle 
in  proportion  to  his  submission,  but  not  if  he  shows  stubbornness. 
You  may  then  step  to  the  other  side  and  repeat  the  lesson  until 
he  will  come  to  you  either  way  cheerfully.  When  you  wish  him 
to  follow,  continue  your  training  in  this  way,  gradually  pulling 
a  little  more  on  a  line  with  his  body,  until  he  will  follow  as  well 
ahead  as  he  does  sideways. 

HOW  TO  MAKE  A  BITTING  BRIDLE  FOR  AN  UNRULY  HORSE. 

Take  the  Eureka  bridle  already  described  and  fix  a  loop  upon 
the  other  end  like  that  already  used  to  put  around  the  jaw,  but 
big  enough  to  go  over  the  head  and  fit  over  the  neck,  rather  tight, 
where  the  collar  is  worn.  Xow  bring  the  cord  forward,  put 
through  the  mouth  from  the  off-side,  and  bring  back  on  the  near 
side  and  put  through  the  loop  around  the  neck.  Pull  upon  this 
cord  and  the  head  will  be  drawn  back  to  the  breast.  You  are 
now  prepared  to  bit.  Simply  pull  upon  the  cord  a  little,  which 
will  draw  the  head  back  slightly;  after  holding  for  a  short  time, 
render  loose;  then  draw  up  a  little  tighter,  and  so  repeat  for  four 
or  five  minutes.  Then  stop  bitting,  and  repeat  at  some  future 
time  till  you  have  the  horse  under  your  control. 

THE  STUBBORN  HORSE. 

If  the  animal  you  are  operating  upon  seems  to  have  a  stubborn 
or  mulish  disposition  rather  than  wild;  if  he  lags  back  his  ears 
as  you  approach  him,  or  turns  to  kick  you,  he  has  not  proper 
regard  or  fear  of  man,  and  it  might  do  well  to  give  him  a  few 
sharp  cuts,  with  the  whip,  about  the  legs  pretty  close  to  the  body. 
It  will  crack  keen  as  it  plies  about  his  legs,  and  the  crack  of  the 


THE    COLT. 


65 


whip  will  affect  him  as  much  as  the  stroke.  Do  not  whip  him 
much,  only  enough  to  scare  him.  But  whatever  you  do,  do 
quickly  and  with  a  good  deal  of  fire,  but  always  without  anger. 
If  he  does  right,  pat  and  caress  him.  If  he  does  wrong,  give  him 
the  whip.  As  soon  as  you  have  frightened  him,  so  that  he  will 
stand  up  straight  and  pay  some  attention  to  you,  approach  him 
again  and  caress  him  a  good  deal  more  than  you  whipped  him; 
thus  you  will  excite  the  two  controlling  passions  of  his  nature, 
love  and  fear;  he  will  love  and  fear  you,  too,  and  as  soon  as  he 
learns  what  you  recjuire  he  will  obey  quickly. 

If  the  horse  is  of  too  mulish  a  disposition  to  yield  to  careful 
and  gentle  treatment  as  here  given,  you  must  resort  to  the  several 
measures  recommended  for  taming  vicious  horses. 

HOW  TO  GET  A  COLT  FROM  PASTURE. 

Go  to  the  pasture  and  walk  around  the  whole  herd  quietly,  at 
such  a  distance  as  not  to  cause  them  to  scare  or  run.  Then  ap- 
proach very  slowly;  if  they  stick  up  their  heads  and  seem  to  be 
frightened,  wait  till  they  become  quiet,  so  as  not  to  run  them 
before  you  are  close  enough  to  drive  them  in  the  direction  you 
want  them  to  go.  When  you  begin  to  drive  do  not  flourish  your 
arms  or  halloo,  but  gently  follow  them  off,,  leaving  the  direction 
free  you  wish  them  to  take.  Thus  taking  advantage  of  their 
ignorance,  you  will  be  able  to  get  them  to  the  pound  as  easily  as 
the  hunter  drives  the  quails  into  his  net. 

KICKING  IN  STALLS. 

To  cure  a  horse  of  this  habit,  juit  on  the  saddle  part  of  a  car- 
riage harness  and  buckle  on  tightly.  Then  take  a  short  strap, 
with  a  ring  attached,  and  buckle  around  the  forward  foot  below 
the  fetlock.  To  this  short  strap  attach  another  straj),  which  bring 
up  and  pass  through  the  turret;  then  return  to  the  foot  and  run 
through  the  ring  in  the  short  strap.  Then  pass  over  the  belly- 
band  and  tie  to  the  hind  leg,  below  the  fetlock.  With  this  at- 
tachment on  each  side,  the  moment  the  horse  kicks  he  pulls  his 
6 


G(^  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

feet  from  under  and  trips  liiniself  npon  his  knees,  whicli  he  will 
be  very  careful  not  to  do  after  a  few  times. 

HALTER  PULLING. 

Put  on  the  Eureka  bridle,  as  before  described,  and  train  the 
horse  about  until  he  will  come  to  you  readily  when  you  pull  him 
a  little  sideways.  Simply  repeat  this,  gradually  a  little  more  on 
a  line  with  his  body  at  each  repetition,  until  he  will  yield  as 
readily  at  being  pulled  forward  as  sidewise.  Then  tie  a  rope 
around  the  body  where  the  harness  saddle  rests.  Xow  lead  the 
horse  to  his  manger  or  to  a  post,  run  the  halter  strap  through  the 
ring  or  liole,  and  pass  back  between  the  forelegs  over  the  strap 
or  cord  tied  around  the  body,  and  tie  to  the  hind  leg  below  the 
fetlock.  If  your  halter  strap  is  not  long  enough,  splice  a  piece 
to  it.  When  you  have  him  fastened,  step  forward  to  his  head 
and  make  him  pull.  He  will  go  back  with  a  rush  and  try  his 
uttermost  to  break  it,  but  the  moment  he  attempts  going  back 
the  halter  pulls  directly  upon  the  hind  leg,  which  not  only  dis- 
concerts, but  makes  it  impossible  for  him  to  pull.  AVhen  he 
comes  up  from  trying  the  halter,  you  should  meet  him  with  a  tap 
on  the  nose.  .  He  may  then  try  it  the  second  time.  Continue  as 
often  as  he  Avill  go  back.     They  seldom  try  it  more  than  twice. 

TO  TEAIN  A  HORSE  TO  STAND  WHILE  GETTING  INTO  A 

CARRIAGE. 

If  he  rears  up  and  starts  very  suddenly,  or  will  not  stand  long 
enough  to  get  in  and  be  seated,  do  not  whip  him  for  it.  This 
only  adds  to  the  trouble,  and  may  make  him  stubborn,  so  that 
he  will  refuse  to  start  wdien  called  on.  Rather,  after  he  is 
hitched,  caress  him  about  the  head,  then  take  hold  of  the  reins 
and  put  your  foot  on  the  step  and  shake  the  carriage;  if  he  starts, 
pull  gradually  on  the  reins,  and  at  the  same  time  speak  low, 
"Whoa,  my  boy,"  or  something  like  it.  Then  approach  his  head 
and  give  him  a  piece  of  apple,  caress  him  on  the  head  between 
the  eyes  and  on  the  nose  and  neck;  continue  this  kind  of  treat- 


THE    COLT.  67 

ment  a  few  minutes;  when  mounted,  do  not  allow  him  to  start 
off  in  a  hurry — walk  him  off.  After  practicing  this  a  few  times 
he  will  be  perfectly  submissive. 

HOW  TO  CURE  BAD  KICKERS. 

For  extremely  bad  kickers,  or  horses  bad  to  shoe,  the  following 
method  will  be  found  effectual.  Put  on  a  common  rope  or  strap 
halter,  with  a  hitching  rope  or  strap  about  twice  as  long  as  the 
animal's  body.  Have  around  the  body  a  common  rope  or  sur- 
cingle. Then  pass  the  rope  or  strap  between  the  forelegs  over 
the  surcingle,  back  around  the  hind  feet,  below  the  fetlocks,  and 
forward  over  the  surcingle  between  the  legs,  and  tie  short  into 
the  halter  beneath  the  jaws.  Xow  make  him  kick,  and  he  will 
yield  readily. 

HOW  TO  MANAGE  BALKY  HORSES. 

Free-going  and  high-spirited  horses  are  the  ones  more  liable 
to  become  balky.  The  cause  of  this  is  due  to  drivers  who  seem 
to  believe  that  all  horses  have  the  same  dispositions  and  should 
be  treated  alike.  When  a  horse  balks  it  is  from  some  misman- 
agement, excitement,  or  from  not  knowing  how  to  pull,  but  sel- 
dom from  unwillingness  to  perform  all  that  he  understands. 
When  you  find  a  balky  horse,  you  will  always  find  him  a  free 
goer,  or  he  is  hitched  by  the  side  of  a  slow  horse,  and  the  driver 
an  impatient  man  and  usually  possessing  a  small  amount  of  com- 
mon sense.  The  anxious  horse  can  scarcely  wait  until  he  is  called 
on  to  go,  and  when  the  driver,  who  scarcely  knows  a  horse  from  a 
cow,  bawls  out  for  them  to  start,  he  springs  forward  against  the 
load,  wliidh  gives  him  a  severe  jerk  on  the  shoulders,  causing  him 
to  flyback  and  jerk  the  slow  horse  thatis  just  now  getting  started. 
The  driver  bawds  out  again,  and  the  free  horse  springs  up  again, 
but  the  load  does  not  move,  leaving  them  confused  and  not 
knowing  how  to  start  the  load.  Now  the  driver  flies  into  a  pas- 
sion and  begins  whipping  and  slashing  and  hollowing  until  the 
poor  animals  are  so  confused  that  the-y  know  nothing.  The 
driver,  who  is  whipping,  knows  less  and  has  lost  all  reason  and 


68  THE    STOCK    OWNKK  S  ADVISER. 

common  sense.  To  scare  the  already  frightened  horse  is  surely 
not  the  correct  method  to  pursue,  and  to  whip  the  confused  horse 
is  equally  as  bad.  There  is  hardly  one  balky  horse  in  five  hun- 
dred that  will  pull  truly  from  wdiipping;  it  is  only  adding  fuel  to 
fire  and  will  make  him  more  liable  to  balk  at  another  time. 
Horses  that  have  balked  a  few  times,  turn  their  heads  and  look 
back  as  soon  as  they  are  a  little  frustrated.  This  is  because  they 
have  been  whipped  and  are  afraid  of  what  is  behind  them.  AVhen 
your  horse  balks,  or  is  a  little  excited,  or  if  he  wants  to  start 
quickly,  or  looks  around  and  don't  want  to  go,  there  is  some- 
thing wrong,  and  he  needs  kind  treatment  immediately.  Caress 
him  kindly,  and  if  he  don't  understand  at  once  what  you  w^ant 
him  to  do,  he  will  not  be  so  much  excited  as  to  jump  and  break 
things  through  fear.  As  long  as  you  are  calm,  and  can  keep 
down  excitement,  there  are  ten  chances  for  him  to  understand 
you  where  there  would  not  be  one  under  harsh  treatment,  and 
then  the  little  flare  up  would  not  carry  with  it  any  unfavorable 
recollections.  Almost  every  wrong  act  the  horse  commits  is 
from  mismanagement,  fear,  or  excitement;  one  harsh  word  will 
so  excite  a  nervous  horse  as  to  increase  his  pulse  ten  beats  per 
minute.  Almost  any  team  when  first  balked  will  start  kindly 
if  you  will  let  them  stand  five  or  ten  minutes  as  though  there 
was  nothing  wrong;  then  walk  some  distance  in  front  of  them 
and  return,  passing  around  the  team,  so  that  they  can  see  you. 
When  you  think  they  have  forgotten  their  excitement,  speak  to 
them  with  a  steady  voice  and  turn  them  a  little  to  the  right  or 
left  so  as  to  get  them  in  motion  l)efore  they  feel  the  pinch  of  the 
load.  Xow,  if  they  should  fail  to  start,  go  to  them  and  gentle 
them.  Spend  some  time  doing  this,  or  until  they  are  composed. 
To  start  a  team  that  you  are  not  driving  yourself,  that  has  been 
balked,  fooled,  and  whipped  for  some  time,  have  the  drivers  and 
spectators,  if  there  are  any,  stand  off  some  distance  to  one  side, 
so  as  not  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  horse.  Unloose  their 
check  reins,  so  that  they  can  get  their  heads  down  if  they  choose; 
take  ofi"  the  bridle,  pat  and  caress  them,  and  put  them  back  onj 


THE    COLT.  69 

take  up  their  fore  feet,  adjust  their  collars,  unloose  their  traces 
and  hook  them  up  again.  K^ow  step  in  front  of  them,  move  their 
ears  and  put  your  hand  in  their  mouth  and  handle  their  tongue. 
While  thus  gentling  and  composing  them,  the  spectators  will 
think  you  are  doing  something  that  they  do  not  understand,  and 
will  not  learn  the  trick.  Do  not  start  them  until  they  are  thor- 
oughly composed,  which  can  be  easily  told  from  the  expression 
of  the  eye  and  the  movement  of  the  ears.  When  you  have  them 
ready  to  start,  stand  before  them,  and  as  you  seldom  have  but  one 
balky  horse  in  a  team,  get  as  near  in  front  of  them  as  you  can. 
If  he  is  too  fast  for  the  other  horse,  let  his  nose  come  against 
your  breast;  this  will  keep  him  steady,  and  he  will  go  slow  rather 
than  run  over  you.  Turn  him  gently  to  the  right.  Have  the 
wagon  standing  in  a  favorable  position  for  starting  out,  letting 
them  pull  on  the  trace  as  far  as  the  tongue  will  let  them  go. 
Stop  them  with  a  kind  word,  gentle  them  a  little,  and  turn  them 
back  to  the  left  by  the  same  process.  You  will  have  them  under 
your  control  by  this  time,  and  as  you  turn  them  again  to  your 
right  steady  them  in  the  collar,  and  you  can  take  them  where 
you  please. 

There  is  a  quicker  process  that  will  generally  start  a  balky 
horse,  but  not  so  certain  as  the  above  method.  Stand  him  a  little 
ahead  so  that  his  shoulder  will  be  against  the  collar.  Then  take 
up  one  of  his  fore  feet  and  let  the  driver  start  them.  He  will 
generally  go  right  r.long.  If  you  want  to  break  a  horse  from 
balking  that  has  long  been  in  the  habit,  put  him  by  the  side  of 
some  steady  horse.  Have  check  lines  on  them,  tie  up  all  traces 
and  straps  so  there  will  be  nothing  to  excite  them.  Ho  not  rein 
them  up,  but  allow  their  heads  to  be  loose.  AValk  them  about 
together  as  slowly  and  as  lazily  as  possible.  Stop  often  and  go 
up  to  the  balky  horse  and  gentle  him,  keeping  him  as  quiet  as 
possible.  He  will  soon  learn  to  start  off  at  the  word  and  stop 
when  you  tell  him.  As  soon  as  he  performs  right,  hitch  him  to 
an  empty  wagon.     It  will  be  well  to  shorten  the  stay  chains  be- 


70  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

hind  the  steady  horse,  so  that  if  it  be  necessary  he  can  take  the 
weight  of  the  wagon  off  the  other  horse. 

HOW  TO  MAKE   THE  HORSE   STAND   STILL  WITHOUT 
HITCHING. 

First,  teach  him  to  follow  you.  When  he  will  do  this  stand 
him  in  the  center  of  the  stable.  Begin  caressing  him  at  the  head 
and  gradually  work  backwards.  If  he  moves,  give  him  a  cut 
with  the  whip  and  put  him  back  to  the  same  spot  from  which  he 
started.  If  he  stands,  caress  him.  Continue  this  until  you  can 
walk  about  him  without  making  him  move.  Keep  walking 
around  him,  increasing  your  distance  and  occasionally  touch  him 
and  caress  him.  After  getting  some  distance  from  him,  if  he 
should  move,  give  him  another  cut  with  the  whip  and  put  him 
back  to  his  place.  If  he  stands,  go  to  him  frequently  and  caress 
him.  Go  round  him  as  before.  Then  stand  him  in  another  place 
and  proceed  as  before. 

ON  THE  TRAINING  OF  HORSES  FOR  TROTTING. 

The  horse  should  be  in  good  flesh.  He  should  be  driven 
moderately,  with  walking  exercise  every  morning  of  about  five 
miles.  Before  going  into  quarters,  give  him  a  brush,  for  one 
hundred  yards,  at  the  top  of  his  speed  and  one  or  two  miles  of 
moderate  driving,  sufficient  to  sweat  him.  Then  rub  dry  with 
rubbing  rags.  Light  rubbing  is  the  best — just  enough  to  dry 
the  hair.  Hard  rubbing  on  the  bones  or  cords  causes  soreness. 
Rub  the  flesh  and  muscles  Avell  to  harden  them.  When  driving 
to  sweat,  put  on  two  thick,  woollen  blankets,  and  drive  at  full 
speed  two  miles.  Then  turn  down  the  hood  or  neck  cover  and 
scrape  the  head  and  neck  well  and  rub  dry.  Then  cover  dry  and 
continue  the  same  over  the  whole  body,  rubbing  lightly  and  only 
enough  to  dry  the  hair.  Then  put  on  nice,  dry  covering  and  let 
him  stand.  Sweating  often  in  this  way  will  weaken,  therefore  it 
should  be  done  but  seldom.  The  food  and  drink  should  be  of  the 
purest  kind;  sift  the  oats  free  from  all  dust;  also  dust  the  hay 


THE    COLT.  71 

and  give  about  a  handful  at  a  feed,  morning  and  noon,  and  about 
twice  that  quantity  at  night.  From  twelve  to  sixteen  quarts  of 
oats  shonld  be  given  in  a  day.  Give  one  gallon  of  water  in  the 
morning,  the  same  at  noon;  at  night  give  two  gallons  of  water 
and  a  peck  of  oats,  with  treble  the  quantity  of  hay.  The  horse 
should  not  be  exercised  on  a  full  stomach.  Grain  lying  undi- 
gested in  the  stomach  generates  a  gas  by  fermentation,  and  indi- 
gestion is  the  result. 

WEIGHTS  TO  BE  CARRIED  IN  TROTTING. 

Every  trotting  horse  starting  for  a  match  purse  or  stake  shall 
carry  one  hundred  and  fifty-six  pounds.  If  in  harness,  the 
weight  of  the  sulky  and  harness  is  not  to  be  considered.  Pacing 
horses  are  liable  to  the  same  rule.  It  will  be  interesting  to  note 
that,  in  the  regular  progressive  movements  of  the  horse  when 
trotting,  the  diagonal  limbs  act  nearly  simultaneously,  and  that 
the  body  is  entirely  without  support  for  varying  intervals  of  time 
and  distance.  Until  the  recent  investigation  of  animal  locomo- 
tion by  Mr.  Mybridge,  many  experienced  horsemen  were  of 
opinion  that  during  the  action  of  the  trot  one  foot  of  the  horse 
was  always  on  the  ground.  Mr.  Mybridge,  after  more  than 
twenty  years'  study  of  the  subject  of  animal  locomotion,  is  the 
recognized  authority  on  this  subject,  both  in  America  and 
Europe.  Pie  received  contributions  amounting  to  seventy  thou- 
sand dollars  to  assist  him  in  his  work.  lie  produced  photographs 
of  the  movements  of  the  horse,  taken  by  an  automatic  electro- 
photographic apparatus  called  the  zoopraxiscope,  invented  by 
himself.  The  exposures  were  in  some  instances  less  than  one 
five-thousandth  part  of  a  second.  In  trotting  at  n  high  rate  of 
speed  the  fore  foot  usually  precedes  its  diagounl  hind  foot  in 
being  lifted  from  and  jilaced  upon  tlie  ground,  and  the  body  will 
be  entirely  without  support  for  about  one-half  the  total  length 
of  the  stride.  Beginning  the  notation  with  the  landing  of  the 
right  fore  foot,  the  order  of  the  supporting  feet  will  be,  first,  the 
right  fore  foot;  second,  the  left  hind  and  right  fore  feet;  third, 


Y2 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S  ADVISER. 


the  left  liind  foot;  fourth,  without  support;  fifth,  the  left  fore 
foot;  sixth,  the  right  hind  and  left  fore  feet;  seventh,  the  right 
hind  foot;  eighth,  without  support.  The  time  during  which  one 
foot  alone  is  on  the  ground  is  very  brief. 

RACK. 

The  rack  is  a  method  of  progressive  motion  by  a  quadruped  in 
which  two  lateral  feet  are,  with  nearly  synchronous  movement, 
placed  upon  and  lifted  from  the  ground,  alternating  with  the 
other  laterals,  the  body  of  the  animal  being  in  the  intervals  en- 
tirely without  support.  Sometimes  it  is  called  the  pace.  With 
some  animals  the  rack  is  an  hereditary  movement;  with  others 
it  is  acquired.  A  trained  horse  can  make  faster  time  by  racking 
than  by  trotting.  The  rack  differs  from  the  trot  in  the  nearly 
synchronous  action  of  the  laterals,  instead  of  the  diagonals. 

It  is  a  very  easy  matter  to  teach  the  horse  to  pace  or  rack.  A 
strap  attached  to  the  stirrup  and  to  the  mouth  will  enable  the 
rider  to  throw  the  horse  into  a  pace  with  the  greatest  ease.  An- 
other good  method  is  as  follows:  Take  nine  or  ten  pounds  of 
lead,  divide  in  four  parts  equal  to  three  and  three-quarter  inches 
by  four  and  a  half  in  size;  make  two  holes  in  each  end  of  these 
leads,  then  fasten  two  of  them  together  and  have  them  padded. 
Then  fasten  them  on  the  horse's  legs,  one  on  each  hind  leg  just 
above  the  ankle  joint.  Ride  your  horse  briskly  with  these 
weights  upon  his  ankle,  at  the  same  time  pulling  each  rein  of 
the  bridle  alternately.  By  this  means  you  immediately  throw 
him  into  a  pace.  After  training  in  this  way  to  some  extent, 
change  the  leaden  weights  to  something  lighter — leather  pad- 
dings, or  something  equivalent.  Let  him  wear  these  plates  until 
he  is  perfectly  trained.  By  adopting  this  plan  you  may  speedily 
make  a  smooth  and  easy  pacer  of  any  horse. 

AMBLE. 

This  method  of  progression  is  the  same  as  the  walk  in  its  foot 
fallings,  except  that  a  hind  foot  or  a  fore  foot  is  lifted  from  the 


THE    COLT. 


TS 


ground  before  its  fellow  hind  foot  or  fellow  fore  foot,  the  sup- 
port of  the  body  developing  alternately  upon  one  foot  and  upon 
two  feet,  the  single  foot  being  alternately  a  fore  and  a  hind  foot, 
and  the  intermedial  support  alternately  diagonals  and  laterals. 
The  amble  is  natural  to  the  elephant,  and  in  some  countries  to 
the  horse,  the  mulej  and  the  ass.  The  sequence  of  foot  fallings 
is  the  right  hind,  the  right  fore,  the  left  hind,  the  left  fore,  be- 
ginning again  with  the  right  hind  foot.  At  no  time  during  the 
stride  is  the  body  of  the  animal  supported.  The  amble  has  been 
erroneously  confused  with  the  rack  or  pace.  It  is  the  most 
gentle  and  agreeable  to  the  rider  of  all  methods  of  locomotion  of 
the  horse;  whereas  the  rack  is  the  most  disagreeable  and  un- 
graceful. 

WALK. 

This  method  of  progression  is  common  to  nearly  all  of  the 
terrestrial  vertebrates.  The  notation  begins  with  the  landing  of 
a  right  hind  foot;  the  consecutive  foot  fallings  will  be  the  right 
fore  foot,  the  left  hind  foot,  the  left  fore  foot,  followed  by  its 
diagonal  hind,  with  which  the  record  began.  The  time  intervals 
of  foot  fallings  vary  with  different  species  of  animals,  but  their 
sequence  is  invariably  the  same  with  all,  the  apes  alone  excepted, 
with  which  the  landing  of  a  hind  foot  is  usually  preceded  by 
that  of  its  lateral  fore  foot.  During  a  single  stride  of  a  qua- 
druped in  an  ordinary  walk  it  is  supported  in  eight  different 
ways — twice  upon  the  laterals,  twice  upon  the  diagonals,  twice 
upon  two  hind  feet  and  one  fore  foot,  and  twice  upon  two  fore 
feet  and  one  hind  foot. 

GALLOP. 

The  gallop  is  the  most  rapid  method  of  progressive  quadru- 
pedal motion,  in  which  the  animal  springs  into  the  air  from  a 
fore  foot  and  lands  upon  the  diagonal  hind  foot.  If  the  notation 
of  stride  by  the  horse  during  the  gallop  begins  with  a  landing 
with  a  hind  foot  upon  the  gi-ound — as  for  example,  the  left  hind 
foot — the  right  hind  will  next  strike  the  ground  at  a  considerable 


74  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

distance  forward,  then  following  in  succession  the  left  fore  and 
the  right  fore  foot  at  a  distance  from  each  other  sometimes  equal 
to  the  height  of  the  animal.  The  consecutive  foundations  of  sup- 
port are — first,  the  left  hind  foot;  second,  both  hind  feet;  third, 
the  right  hind  foot;  fourth,  the  right  hind  and  the  left  fore 
feet;  fifth,  the  left  fore  foot;  sixth,  both  fore  feet;  seventh, 
the  right  fore  foot  from  which  the  animal  will  spring  into 
the  air,  in  which  phase  (the  only  one  of  a  galloj)  when  the 
animal  is  entirely  off  the  ground)  all  the  legs  are  flexed  un- 
der the  body.  The  first  foot  to  strike  the  ground  will  be  the 
hind  foot  diagonal  to  that  from  which  the  spring  was  effected. 
This  movement,  the  gallop,  has  in  all  ages  been  employed  by 
artists  to  convey  the  impression  of  great  speed,  although,  curi- 
ously enough,  the  phase  in  which  the  horse  has  been  almost 
invariably  depicted  is  one  which  is  impractible  during  uniform 
progressive  motion,  and  conveys  no  such  impression  to  the  care- 
ful observer. 

CANTER. 

•  In  the  canter  the  feet  are  landed  on  the  ground  in  the  same 
consecutive  order  as  in  the  walk,  but  not  with  the  same  compara- 
tive intervals  of  time.  Assuming  that  in  the  canter  the  notation 
is  begun  after  a  propulsion  through  the  air  with  a  final  thrust  of 
the  left  fore  foot,  the  landing  will  take  place  on  the  right  hind 
foot,  followed  in  order  by  the  right  fore,  the  left  hind,  and  the 
left  fore  from  which  a  succeeding  thrust  off  the  ground  will  be 
effected.  The  consecutive  supporting  feet  are — first,  the  right 
hind  foot ;  second,  the  right  hind  and  right  fore  feet ;  third,  both 
hind  and  ri^ht  fore  feet;  fourth,  the  left  hind  and  right  fore 
feet;  fifth,  the  left  hind  and  both  fore  feet;  sixth,  the  left  hind 
and  left  fore  feet;  seventh,  the  left  fore  foot  alone,  from  which 
the  animal  leaves  the  ground.  The  canter  is  usually  regarded  as 
a  slow  gallop,  probably  from  the  facility  with  which  a  change 
from  one  gait  to  the  other  can  be  effected;  an  important  differ- 
ence will^  however,  be  observed. 


V. 

VETERINARY  HYGIENE  AND   DIETETICS. 

WATEE^QUANTITY,  QUALITY. 

Water  (H:.0)  forms  about  TO  per  cent  of  the  whole  body.  It  is 
one  of  the  chief  constituents  of  the  juices  and  tissues,  and  is  a 
general  solvent,  "by  means  of  which  various  materials  may  be 
taken  in  as  food,  or  excreted  from  the  body.  The  various  organs 
or  liquids  contain  valuable  quantities;  thus,  enamel  contains  2 
per  cent;  saliva,  99  5-10  per  cent.  The  water  should  be  pure, 
and  is  best  when  obtained  from  the  clear  brook.  If  soft  water 
cannot  be  had,  draw  the  hard  v.^^ter  from  the  well  and  allow  it  to 
stand  two  hours  before  using.  Be  careful  that  there  is  no  drain- 
age of  putrid  matter  into  the  well  or  cistern.  Many  diseases  are 
contracted  by  allowing  the  refuse  from  the  barn  yards  to  drain 
into  the  cistern,  or  by  watering  the  animals  in  the  stream  below 
where  the  drainage  enters.  During  very  cold  weather  the  water 
should  be  warmed  so  as  not  to  chill  the  animal.  As  a  rule,  the 
horse  should  have  one  gallon  of  water  in  the  morning,  the  same 
at  noon,  and  two  gallons  at  night.  Water  should  be  given  fre- 
quently while  on  the  road,  but  only  a  small  quantity  at  a  time, 
merely  cooling  his  mouth  and  tongue.  Giving  a  great  amount 
of  water  diseases  the  blood  and  deadens  the  hair.  The  water 
must  in  some  way  pass  out;  it  cannot  all  pass  through  the  kid- 
neys, and  it  passes  off  through  the  pores  of  the  skin,  causing  the 
hair  to  become  gummy  and  making  the  horse  very  hard  to  clean. 
So  great  a  quantity  of  water  passing  off  through  the  pores  of  the 
skin  causes  the  hair  to  look  dull  and  faded.  Large  draughts  of 
cold  water  often  derange  the  digestive  organs  and  retard  diges- 
tion for  some  time;  one  gallon  of  cold  ice  water  will  retard 
digestion  two  hours,  destroy  the  juices,  and  disable  digestion. 

(75) 


76  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S  ADVISER. 

When  a  horse  is  very  warm  lie  should  not  be  allowed  to  have 
cold  dranghts  of  water;  its  rapid  cooling  of  the  stomach  produces 
indigestion  and  colic,  frequently  causing  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  membrane  and  the  sensitive  structures  of  the  feet. 

FOOD. 

Various  tissues  of  the  body,  like  the  parts  of  a  machine,  are 
subject  to  wear  and  tear.  There  is  also  a  constant  liberation  of 
energy  in  muscular  work,  and  the  evolution  of  heat  going  on  in 
the  body.  The  wear  and  tear  of  the  various  tissues  of  an  active 
adult  horse  must  be  considerable;  the  brain  cells,  glandular  epi- 
thelium, the  blood  corpuscles,  from  time  to  time  require  renewal 
and  to  be  supplied  with  materials.  The  waste  products  of  the 
disintegration  of  the  tissues  and  of  the  combustion  going  on  in 
the  system  are  thrown  out  of  the  l)ody  at  the  lungs,  the  skin,  and 
the  kidneys.  Experience  proves  that  a  mixed  diet  is  best  to  main- 
tain the  body  in  health.  Animals  will  not  live  on  hydrocarbons 
or  carbo-h^'drates  alone.  Too  much  nitrogenous  food  causes  an 
excessive  amount  of  urea  and  uric  acid,  throwing  increased  work 
on  the  excretory  organs. 

Milk  may  be  taken  as  a  typical  illustration  of  a  natural  com- 
bination of  the  various  foods.     Cows'  milk  contains: 

Nitrogenous  matter,  casene  and  albumen 4.1 

Butter  3.9 

Milk  sugar 5.2 

Salts  0.8 

Water    86.0 

Cows'  milk  equals  14  per  cent  solids.  The  normal  diet  for  an 
adult  horse  is  as  follows: 

Albuminous   matter 28  ounces  of  avoirdupois. 

Fatty   matter 21  ounces  of  avoirdupois. 

Carbohydrates    98  ounces  of  avoirdupois. 

Salts  7  ounces  of  avoirdupois. 

Thus  about  154  ounces  of  dry,  solid  food  are  contained  in  this 
diet,  of  which  about  one-fifth  is  nitrogenous.     If  we  reckon  that 


VETERINAKY  HYGIENE  AND  DIETETICS.  i  i 

50  per  cent  of  ordinary  food  is  water,  these  154  ounces  will  cor- 
respond to  308  ounces  of  ordinary  solid  food.  The  standard  diet 
will  necessarily  be  altered  under  different  conditions.  Horses 
need  more  in  cold  climates,  and  when  working  heavily  than  when 
at  rest.  The  hard-working  animal  requires  more  food  to  build 
up  waste  tissue. 

THE   AMOUNT   OF   NUTRIMENT   IN   THE   VARIOUS   FOODS 
USED  FOR  HORSES. 

The  following  table  will  show  the  amount  of  nutritive  matter 
contained  in  the  different  foods  used  for  the  horse : 

1,000  parts  of  Wheat  contains  955  parts  of  nutritive  material. 


1,000  parts  of  Barley  conta 


1,000  parts  of  Oats  contains  744  parts  of  nutritive  material. 

1,000  parts  of  Peas  contains  573  parts  of  nutritive  material. 


1,000  parts  of  Beans  conta 


ns  950  parts  of  nutritive  material. 


ns  570  parts  of  nutritive  material. 


1,000  parts  of  Potatoes  contains  230  parts  of  nutritive  material. 

1,000  parts  of  RfeI  Beets  contains  148  parts  of  nutritive  material. 

1,000  parts  of  Parsnips  contains     99  parts  of  nutritive  material. 

1,000  parts  of  Carrots  contains     98  parts  of  nutritive  material. 

Of  the  grasses,  1,000  parts  of  the  meadow  cattail  contains,  at 
the  time  of  seeding,  98  parts  of  nutritive  matter;  narrow-leafed 
meadow  grass  and  seeds  and  sweet-scented  soft  grasses  in  flower, 
95  parts;  narrow-leaved  and  flat-stalked  meadow  grass  in  flower, 
fertile  meadow  grass  in  seed,  and  tall  rescue  in  flower,  93;  creep- 
ing soft  grass  in  flower,  78;  common  turnips,  42;  long-rooted 
clover,  39;  white  clovers,  32;  and  lucerne,  25. 

RELATIVE  VALUE  OF  THE  VARIOUS  GRASSES  AND  SOILS 
BEST  SUITED  TO  THEIR  GROWTH. 

We  will  here  enumerate  the  various  kinds  of  grasses  ordinarily 
cultivated  throughout  the  United  States,  specifying  the  relative 
value  of  each  for  grazing  purposes,  as  also  the  latitude  and  soil 
best  suited  to  them.  Tlu^  famous  blue  grass  of  Kentucky,  Ten- 
nessee, and  West  Virginia  stands  at  the  head  of  the  list  for  pas- 
turing.    It  is  a  small,  fine  grass,  growing  about  one  foot  high, 


78  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE. 

with  an  abundance  of  small,  bluish  colored,  narrow  leaves  at  the 
bottom.  It  mats  the  ground  thickly  with  bottom  leaves.  It  is 
like  the  down  of  a  carpet,  and  is  the  most  beautiful  grass  that 
grows.  It  sheds  an  abundance  of  seed  in  the  summer  and  fall, 
and  when  it  once  secures  a  hold  it  will  overrun  the  country, 
carpeting  the  fields  with  its  soft,  green  texture.  It  is  very  sweet, 
full  of  nutrition,  and  the  best  grass  known  for  grazing  purposes. 
Its  growth  is  confined  to  the  limestone  soil.  It  is  cultivated  with 
great  diflSculty  on  any  other  soil,  j^orth  of  latitude  40  or  south 
of  35  it  does  not  flourish  well. 

Clover  is  next  on  the  list.  Vse  have  the  white  and  the  red 
clover.  The  white  clover  grows  about  six  inches  high,  with 
small  leaves  and  white  blossoms.  It  is  used  for  grazing  purposes 
generally,  as  it  is  too  small  to  cut.  The  red  clover  is  much  larger 
and  grows  three  feet  tall  in  good  soil.  There  is  an  objection  to 
both  clovers  when  used  for  grazing.  They  act  upon  the  salivary 
glands  and  cause  a  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth,  producing  that 
debilitating  affection  known  as  slobbering.  When  \vet  with  dew 
it  causes  tympanites  or  hoven  in  the  cow.  When  used  for  hay  it 
contains  a  dust  that  is  very  detrimental  to  the  respiratory  organs 
of  the  horse.    It  is  a  good  food,  however,  for  the  cow. 

Timothy  is  the  next  in  the  list.  It  is  not  a  valuable  grass  for 
grazing  purposes,  but  makes  the  best  hay  of  all  the  perennials. 
It  grows  about  five  feet  tall  in  good  soil  and  is  cut  down  and 
cured  while  in  bloom.  It  grows  in  all  latitudes  north  of  35  de- 
grees, flourishing  best  on  rich,  dry  upland,  and  upon  all  soils 
about  equally,  except  the  sandy. 

The  grasses  we  have  enumerated  here  are  perennials,  living 
two  years  in  most  soils.  They  drop  their  seeds  in  the  fall  season 
and  lie  on  the  ground  until  spring,  when  they  come  up,  very 
small  at  first;  continuing  to  grow,  they  become  the  fine,  tender 
grass  of  the  fall  pasture.  The  roots  of  these  shoot  up  and  make 
the  pasture  of  spring. 

The  annuals  coming  earlier  are  the  millet,  Hungarian,  and 
rescue  grasses.     The  perennial  grasses  do  not  thrive  below  the 


VETERINARY  HYGIENE  AND  DIETETICS.  79 

latitude  of  35,  or  the  southern  border  of  Tennessee.  None  of 
the  clovers  succeed  in  the  cotton  States.  The  only  grass  that 
grows  profusely  in  the  cotton  States  is  the  herd  grass. 

Pasture  is  the  horse's  natural  food;  the  air  his  natural  stable 
and  home.  Diseases,  except  from  accident,  are  seldom  found  in 
the  pastures.  The  horse  is  never  so  healthy  and  happy  as  when 
roaming  through  the  fresh  meadows  and  deep  green  valleys. 
Instead  of  the  dusty  walls  of  a  stable,  he  is  surrounded  by  na- 
ture's own  amphitheato-es.  His  bed  among  the  ammoniacal 
vapors  of  the  stable  is  changed  to  one  of  perfume  and  flowery 
l)eauty.  The  stable  horse  should  have  a  run  at  pasture  for  at 
least  two  months  in  each  year.  He  here  finds  a  specific  for  the 
ills  of  stable  confinement.  It  renews  and  purifies  his  blood, 
opens  the  capillaries,  sends  out  the  oily  fluids  to  the  surface, 
regulates  digestion,  relieves  constipation,  loosens  the  joints, 
transforming  the  jaded  horse  into  a  healthy  one,  with  glossy  coat 
and  nimble  limbs.  The  horse  domesticated  is  a  slave;  the  stable 
is  his  prison.  He  often  manifests  his  desire  to  be  in  the  open 
air  by  neighing  while  in  the  stable  and  by  playing  and  capering 
about  when  loosed  from  his  prison.  He  grabs  at  every  spear  of 
grass  within  his  reach,  and  thus  demonstrates  his  desire  for  his 
natural  food.  A  horse  must  be  taught  to  eat  the  prepared  foods. 
He  does  not  relish  it  except  by  an  appetite  depraved  by  long 
hal)it.  Even  when  pure,  a  great  deal  of  the  prepared  food  is  not 
healthy.  If  a  horse  be  allowed  a  run  at  pasture  for  two  months 
in  a  year,  the  damage  done  by  stabling  maj  be  repaired. 

HAY  AND  FODDER. 

Timothy  when  properly  cured  is  the  best  grass  for  hay.  It 
possesses  more  nutriment  and  retains  it  better  through  the  pro- 
cess of  curing  than  other  grasses.  It  should  be  harvested  at 
maturity  while  yot  in  bloom.  It  should  be  put  in  the  barn  while 
free  from  rain.  It  is  as  necessary  to  have  shelter  for  the  hay  as 
it  is  for  the  horse.  Good,  ripe  timothy  loses  only  about  one- 
fifth  of  its  weight  in  curing;  herd  grass,  two-fifths;  white  clover, 


80  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISER. 

one-half;  and  red  clover,  about  three-fifths.  In  substance  they 
vaiy  about  the  same,  and  as  to  healthfiilness  they  are  to  be  esti- 
mated in  the  same  order,  timothy  being  at  the  head.  The  herd 
grass  may  be  placed  next  to  timothy  in  substance.  It  does  not 
grow  well  on  uplands  or  heavy  lands.  It  grows  best  in  low, 
damp  lands,  and  is  extensively  cultivated  throughout  the  Cotton 
States.  We  have  frequently  seen  fine  fields  of  this  grass  in  the 
Cotton  States,  and  always  confined  to  low,  damp  lands. 

Some  of  the  annuals  make  a  good  hay.  The  rescue  grass 
ranks  first  in  value;  the  Hungarian,  second;  millet,  third.  Millet 
fed  with  its  seed  makes  a  tolerably  good  food.  It  is  extensively 
grown  throughout  the  Southern  States.  Another  annual  exten- 
sively used  is  the  corn  fodder,  obtained  by  pulling  the  blades 
from  the  stalk,  and,  when  dry,  binding  them  in  bundles  and 
storing  away  for  winter  use.  This  process  of  curing  is  generally 
used  in  the  Southern  States.  In  many  parts  of  the  country  the 
stalks  are  cut  with  the  blades  left  on,  put  on  shocks  to  dry,  and 
then  stored  away  for  winter  food.  Corn  fodder  is  not  so  healthy 
a  food  as  some  others,  and  in  the  Southern  States,  where  it  is 
extensively  used,  many  diseases  are  contracted  by  its  constant 
use.  It  appears  to  dry  up  the  blood,  and  from  its  dryness  and 
brittleness  it  is  apt  to  harm  the  throat.  The  writer  has  traced 
encephalitis  or  inflammation  of  the  brain  to  the  continued  use 
of  damaged  fodder. 

The  different  straws  are  wheat,  rye,  oats,  and  barley.  They 
possess  a  limited  amount  of  substance,  about  one-twentieth  as 
much  as  good  timothy  hay.  They  are  of  but  little  value  to  the 
horse,  and  should  only  be  iised  in  making  chop  feed.  They  are 
too  dry  when  used  in  any  other  way.  It  is  best  to  feed  dry  hay 
moistened  with  water,  and  add  the  chop  to  it.  This  makes  the 
dry  feed  soft,  and  the  horse  will  keep  fat  on  much  less  food  than 
by  any  other  mode.  Most  of  the  hay  allowed  between  meals 
should  be  cut  and  rolled  in  chop.  If  the  owner  would  consider 
the  improved  condition  of  his  horses  and  the  cheapness  of  this 
method,  the  trouble  of  cutting  the  feed  would  not  be  objected  to. 


VETERINARY  HYGIENE  AND  DIETETICS.  81 

It  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  the  hay  be  properly  cured; 
damaged  by  rain,  it  is  very  injnrioiis  to  the  animal's  health. 
"We  often  trace  diseases  of  the  nrinary  organs  to  mouldy  and 
mow-burnt  hay. 

GEAIN. 

The  horse  must  receive  a  portion  of  grain;  as  a  general  rule, 
one-half  the  food  given  him  should  be  of  this  character.  The 
hoi-se  at  rest  requires  less  feed,  and  he  requires  less  grain  in 
warm  than  in  cold  climates.  When  the  horse  is  worked  and 
undergoing  long-continued  muscular  exertion,  he  requires  more 
feed  than  when  standing  idle.  There  is  gTeater  difference  in  the 
quality  and  value  of  the  different  grains  than  in  the  various 
grasses.  Corn  and  oats  are  more  extensively  used  in  this  coun- 
tr)^  than  other  grains.  This  is  due,  perhaps,  to  some  extent  to 
their  convenience,  they  being  much  less  trouble  than  other  foods. 
Oats,  as  part  of  the  food,  is  the  best  for  the  horse.  Com  alone  is 
objectionable.  It  is  heating  to  the  blood  and  harder  to  digest. 
The  oats  may  be  fed  unbroken,  but  are  much  better  when 
ground.  Oats  imground  are  often  not  thorough  masticated,  and 
hence  pass  the  stomach  not  thoroughly  digested.  Corn,  when 
used  alone,  is  very  objectionable — the  fruitful  source  of  many 
diseases  in  the  horse.  INIany  a  young  animal  has  been  ruined  by 
feeding  exclusively  upon  corn.  It  not  only  shows  its  bad  effects 
in  acute  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs  known  as  colic  and  acute 
indigestion,  but  in  various  cutaneous  diseases  and  inflammation 
as  a  result.  Many  horses'  teeth  are  so  neglected  that  they  can- 
not sufficiently  masticate  the  grain.  The  whole  food  is  taken 
into  the  stomach  unmasticated;  it  heats  and  ferments,  and  then 
follow  the  evil  consequences  of  colic.  But  few  young  horses  fed 
on  corn  escape  indigestion.  AVhen  corn  is  used,  it  should  only 
be  in  part.  Bran  fed  with  com  makes  it  safer.  The  horse  should 
have  a  good  bran  mash  at  least  twice  a  week.  Eye  and  barley 
mixed  make  an  excellent  chop  feed.  Carrots,  turnips,  beets, 
pumpkins,  potatoes,  cabbage,  apples,  and  similar  green  feeds  are 
good  during  winter  while  living  on  dry  foods. 
6 


82  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE, 

THE  STABLE. 

'No  division  of  our  subject  is  of  more  importance  than  this. 
The  evils  resulting  from  badly  located  and  ventilated  stables  are 
simply  immense.  The  horse  is  debilitated  to  such  an  extent  that 
it  predisposes  him  to  all  the  ills  to  which  his  flesh  is  heir.  The 
farmers'  stables  are  not  so  much  in  fault  as  those  of  the  towns 
and  cities.  The  cities  are  at  disadvantage  in  getting  pure  air  and 
light.  Many  a  horse's  home  is  located  in  some  back  alley  or 
lane,  in  a  low,  damp,  dark  situation,  where  there  is  but  little 
room,  and  where  great  piles  of  manure  are  suffered  to  accumu- 
late, filling  the  atmosphere  with  fumes.  The  location  of  the 
stable  is  of  great  importance.  If  possible  it  should  be  on  an 
elevation  where  there  can  be  drainage.  If  in  the  city,  it  should 
be  so  situated  that  suri-ounding  buildings  will  not  obstruct  the 
air.  The  stable  should  be  located  in  dry  soil.  Low,  level,  damp 
surroundings  and  marshy  localities  not  only  breed  fevers  and 
malaria,  but  are  prolific  causes  of  colds,  coughs,  and  lung 
troubles.  Do  not  locate  the  stable  where  the  natural  cun-ent  of 
air  or  high  winds  will  l)e  likely -to  bring  the  poison  of  decayed 
vegetable  matter  from  low  lands.  Certain  brooks,  boggy  lands, 
ponds,  foggy  localities,  too  much  shade,  all  conduce  to  the  de- 
velopment of  disease.  The  stable  should  not  be  shaded  by  too 
much  foliage.  The  dampness  of  the  leaves  attracts  malaria. 
Shade  trees  at  a  little  distance,  however,  are  beneficial.  In  cities 
where  stables  are  located  in  damp  places  the  horses  on  the  second 
floor  will  not  be  attacked  with  colds  and  fevers,  while  those  on 
the  ground  floor  will  become  affected.  This  is  proof  that  malaria 
seeks  the  surface  of  the  earth.  Stables  located  where  marshes 
or  running  streams  have  recently  been  filled  in  are  hovels  for 
disease.  Dry  earth  destroys  the  germs  of  disease;  it  is  a  great 
absorbent  and  deodorizer,  and  should  therefore  be  selected  as  a 
site  for  a  stable.  Each  horse's  apartment  should  be  large  enough 
for  him  to  turn  around  or  lie  down  comfortably. 

Ventilation  is  of  the  greatest  importance  in  a  stable.    In  cities 


VETERINARY  HYGIENE  AND  DIETETICS.  83 

we  frequently  see  as  many  as  a  hundred  horses  shut  up  in  narrow 
and  close  stables,  with  no  openings  for  foul  air  to  escape.  Each 
pair  of  lungs  throws  off  an  immense  amount  of  carbonic  acid 
gas  during  the  night.  The  air  becomes  so  greatly  surcharged  as 
to  be  absolutely  poisonous.  Ordinary  atmospheric  air  contains 
nearly  2,100  parts  of  oxygen  and  7,900  of  nitrogen,  and  about 
three  parts  of  carbonic  acid  in  10,000  parts;  expired  air  con- 
tains about  470  parts  of  carbonic  acid,  and  only  about  1,500 
parts  oxygen,  with  little  or  no  change  in  the  nitrogen.  Hence 
one  can  readily  see  that  confined  air  may  soon  become  absolutely 
poisonous.  The  ventilation  may  be  accomplished  by  proper  ven- 
tilators. The  ventilators  should  be  arranged  on  opposite  sides  of 
the  building  to  insure  an  abundant  supply  of  air.  The  ventila- 
tors and  windows  should  be  placed  higher  than  the  animals' 
heads.  The  flooring  and  sides  of  the  building  should  be  made 
air  tight.  The  box  stalls  should  be  air  tight  to  the  height  of  four 
or  five  feet.  The  stable  should  be  kept  at  a  temperature  of  about 
ten  or  twelve  degrees  above  the  temperature  out  of  doors. 
During  the  heated  period  slat  doors  should  be  used  and  all  fresh 
air  possible  allowed  to  come  into  the  stables.  Electric  fans  are 
of  great  benefit  in  crowded  city  stables. 

If  the  temperature  of  the  stables  be  regulated  by  a  thermome- 
ter, and  the  ventilation  sufficient  to  keep  the  air  pure,  sore 
throats,  fevers,  inflamed  lungs  and  eyes,  and  swollen  legs  will  be 
prevented.  The  majority  of  the  maladies  of  the  horse,  and  those 
of  the  most  fatal  character,  are  directly  or  indirectly  caused  by  a 
deficient  supply  of  air.  The  manure  from  the  stables  should  be 
carted  away  each  day.  If  there  is  a  drainage  away  from  the 
stables,  the  manure  may  be  allowed  to  remain  for  several  days, 
but  should  never  be  allowed  to  remain  inside  the  stable  for  a  day. 
The  floor  should  be  of  dirt  or  gravel.  The  plank  or  paved  floor 
is  not  ol)jectionable  when  sawdust  is  used.  The  feet  of  horses 
standing  on  plank  or  hard  floors  become  hard  and  brittle.  The 
floor  should  be  entirely  level. 


84  THE    STOCK    owner's  ADVISEE, 


LIGHT. 

Light  is  essential  to  the  growth  and  development  of  every 
object  in  the  world.  Our  stables,  therefore,  should  be  well 
lighted  and  made  as  pleasant  as  possible.  Light  is  especially 
necessary  for  the  young  animal.  If  kept  in  dark  stables  their 
eyesight  will  be  injured,  and  they  will  become  diseased.  No 
special  directions  can  be  laid  down  regarding  the  lighting  of 
stables,  nor  can  special  directions  be  given  for  ventilation.  The 
owner  must  exercise  his  own  judgment. 

BEDDING  AND  CLOTHING. 

Straw  makes  as  good  a  bed  as  anything.  It  should  be  kept 
perfectly  clean,  the  manure  and  the  urine  being  removed  every 
morning.  Where  floor  and  concrete  stalls  are  used,  the  horse 
should  have  a  bed  to  stand  on  as  well  as  to  lie  down  on.  About 
three  inches  of  damp  sawdust  makes  a  good  bed  to  stand  on. 
Clothing  for  the  horse  is  highly  necessary.  No  better  invest- 
ment can  be  made  than  the  purchase  of  a  good^  thick,  and  sub- 
stantial blanket  for  use  during  cold  and  stormy  weather.  Ex- 
posure to  beating  rain  and  cold  atmosphere,  without  protection, 
is  very  detrimental  to  the  animal's  health.  The  horse,  even 
when  the  weather  is  not  very  cold,  if  driven  hard  and  perspira- 
tion is  produced,  if  allowed  to  stand  in  the  wind,  will  take  cold. 
The  horse  owner  should  be  especially  careful  in  the  spring 
months.  The  first  warm  days  are  forerunners  of  pneumonia  and 
fevers,  caused  by  the  temperature  being  suddenly  checked  by 
the  cool  atmosj)here  of  the  spring  months. 

The  blanket  should  be  employed  when  the  blood  has  become 
unusually  heated  by  severe  exercise,  or  when  he  is  suddenly 
changed  from  one  extreme  temperature  into  another,  and  when 
enfeebled  by  disease.  If  a  blanket  is  used  in  the  stable,  it  should 
be  light  in  weight.  Where  stables  are  so  arranged  that  a  uni- 
form temperature  can  be  maintained,  blankets  should  not  be 
used. 


VI. 
STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE. 

Our  limits  allow,  and  our  purpose  requires,  but  a  short  dis- 
cussion of  the  horse's  structure.  It  is  our  object  to  communicate 
a  general  knowledge  of  his  structure,  so  that  in  the  treatment  of 
disease  the  part  affected  may  be  readily  known  and  the  remedy 
intelligently  administered. 

Our  first  division  will  be  the  internal  framework  on  which  the 
body  is  built,  the  endo-skeleton.  This  internal  framework,  sup- 
porting the  soft  tissues  of  the  body,  forms  various  cavities  for  the 
location  of  important  organs,  as  the  brain,  spinal  cord,  eyes, 
heart,  and  lungs,  and  act  as  levers  for  the  action  of  the  muscles 
and  joints  to  aid  in  the  locomotion  of  the  body. 

In  describing  the  framework,  we  present  the  engraving  of  a 
perfect  skeleton,  accurately  indexed  for  reference.  This  will 
enable  the  reader  to  locate  the  various  bones  of  the  body  and  to 
learn  their  proper  names.  It  will  also  aid  in  shortening  our  de- 
scription of  the  bones.  Anatomists  differ  as  to  the  number  of 
bones  composing  the  skeleton,  some  enumerating  all  ossific 
bodies,  including  the  teeth  and  sesamoids,  which  others  elimi- 
nate; some,  again,  regard  certain  cranial  bones  as  single,  other 
authorities  as  double.  It  is  of  little  practical  importance  what 
view  is  taken;  it  will  be  found  that  there  are  about  216  separate 
bones,  or,  including  the  teeth,  256  pieces  in  the  skeleton  of  the 
horse.  In  our  description,  we  take  the  anterior  limb  first,  begin- 
ning superiorly  and  ending  inferiorly.  First  in  order  is  the 
scapula,  a  fiat  bone  situated  on  the  antero-lateral  surface  of  the 
thorax,  with  its  long  axis  sloping  downwards  and  forwards  to 
articulate  with  a  somewhat  twisted-looking  bone,  the  humerus. 
The  humerus  extends  from  the  scapula  to  the  radius  in  an  oblique 
direction,   downwards  and  backwards.      The  radius  occupies  a 

(85) 


be 


STKUCTUEE  OF  THE  HORSE.  87 

vertical  position  between  the  humerus  and  carpus.  Tliis  bone 
is  frequently  called  the  arm.  It  is  the  longest  bone  of  the  fore 
leg.  On  the  supero-posterior  part  of  this  bone  is  a  triangular 
bone,  the  ulna.  Next  in  order  is  the  carpus,  or  knee,  composed 
of  seven  and  often  of  eight  small,  irregular  bones,  arranged  in 
two  rows  of  three  each,  one  above  the  other,  the  seventh  being 
at  the  back  of  the  three  in  the  upper  row,  and  the  eighth,  when 
present,  in  a  similar  position  with  respect  to  the  lower  row. 
Naming  from  within  outwards,  the  bones  of  the  upper  row  are 
the  scaphoid.  Inner,  and  cuneiform,  and  the  trapezium  behind 
the  latter;  those  of  the  lower  row  are  the  trapezoid,  os  magnum, 
and  unciform,  and  the  pisiform  behind  the  trapezoid.  The  next 
are  the  large  and  two  small  metacarpals,  corresponding  to  the 
bone  that  lies  between  the  wrist  and  finger  of  the  human.  Below 
this  is  the  phalanges,  consisting  of  three  bones,  which  are  homo- 
logous to  the  three  phalanges  of  the  human  finger,  and  having 
two  sesamoid  bones  placed  behind.  In  descending  the  os  suffra- 
ginis  comes  first,  os  coronse  second,  and  lastly  the  os  pedis.  The 
navicular,  or  shuttle  bone,  is  situated,  with  its  long  axis  trans- 
versely, behind  and  below  the  os  corona?  and  behind  the  os  pedis, 
with  both  of  which  it  articulates.  The  posterior  extremity  is 
united  to  the  trunk  by  the  direct  articulation  of  the  pelvic  arch 
with  the  femur  and  sacral  vertebra.  The  entire  arch  is  called 
the  OS  innominatum,  or  pelvis.  The  os  innominatum  is  divided 
into  three  parts — the  ilium,  ischium,  and  pubis.  The  first  bone 
of  the  hind  extremity  is  the  femur,  or  thigh  bone.  It  is  the 
largest,  thickest,  and  strongest  bone  in  the  l)ody.  The  patella, 
the  kne^  pan,  or  stifle  bone,  is  placed  in  front  of  the  trochlea  of 
the  femur.  The  tibia,  or  shin  bone,  is  situated  between  the 
femur  and  astragalus,  slanting  downwards  and  backwards.  The 
fibula  is  a  little,  long  slender  bone,  attached  to  the  outer  side  of 
the  tibia.  The  tarsus,  or  hock,  corresponds  to  the  ankle  joint  of 
man,  and  is  composed  of  six  bones  arranged  in  two  series — one 
consisting  of  the  cuboid  and  three  cuneiform  bones,  the  magnum, 
medium,  and  parvum.     The  other,  the  upper  series,  consists  of 


EXPLANATION  OF  FIGURE  2. 

Skeleton  of  the  Horse, 

Shoimng  its  relation  to  the  contour  of  the  animal,  viewed  laterally. 


A. 

Temporal  fossa. 

B. 

Inferior  maxilla. 

C. 

Atlas. 

D. 

Dentata. 

E. 

Cervical  vertebrae. 

F. 

Dorsal         do. 

G. 

Lumbar      do. 

H 

Sacral         do. 

I. 

Coccygeal    do. 

J. 

Scapula. 

K. 

Humerus. 

L. 

Eadius. 

L' 

Ulna. 

M 

Carpus. 

N. 

Trapezium. 

0. 

Metacarpus. 

P, 

h.  Os  suffraginia. 

Q, 

c.  Sesamoids. 

R, 

d.  Os  coronse. 

s, 

e.  Os  pedis. 

TT.  Ribs.                                              1 

U. 

Ilium. 

V. 

Femur. 

X. 

Patella. 

Y. 

Tibia. 

y- 

Fibula. 

Z.  Tarsus. 

a.  Metatarsus. 

/.  Ligamentum  nuchse,   funicular 
portion.   /'.  Lamellar  portion. 

1.  Zygoma. 

2.  Orbital  fossa. 

3.  Nasal  peak. 

4.  Incisor  teeth. 
4'.  Canine  teeth. 

5.  Molar  teeth. 

6.  External  humeral  trochanter. 
7  7.  Scapular  fossae. 

8.  Coracoid  apophysis. 

9.  Cartilage  of  prolongation. 

10.  Deltoid  ridge,  and  external  tu- 

berosity. 

11.  Olecranon. 

12.  Costal  cartilages. 

13.  Anterior  iliac  spine. 

14.  Ischium. 

15.  Trochanter  major. 

16.  Trochanter  minor. 

18.  Anterior  tibial  tuberosity. 

19.  Calcaneum. 

2020.  Small  metacarpal  and  meta- 
tarsal, or  splint  bones. 


(89) 


90  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

the  astragalus  and  calcaneiim.  The  other  bones  of  the  hind  ex- 
tremity are  similar  to  those  described  below  the  knee  of  the  fore 
extremity. 

Kext  may  be  mentioned  the  bones  of  the  head.  The  most 
noteworthy  of  these  are  the  superior  and  inferior  maxillaries, 
the  upper  and  lower  jawbones.  In  these  are  set  the  teeth, 
twenty-four  molars,  or  grinders — six  on  each  side,  both  above 
and  below;  twelve  incisors,  or  front  teeth— six  above  and  six 
below,  and  four  canine  teeth,  or  tushes — one  on  each  side,  above 
and  below.  Excluding  the  teeth  and  the  internal  bones  of  the 
ear,  there  are  thirty-eight  bones  in  the  skull — six  single  ones,  the 
rest  in  pairs.  There  are  winding  cavities  in  the  bones  of  the 
face  called  sinuses.  They  communicate  freely  with  each  other 
and  with  the  nasal  fossae,  of  wdiich  they  may  be  regarded  as  pro- 
longations. They  number  four  on  each  side — viz.,  the  frontal, 
the  maxillary,  the  sphenoidal,  and  the  ethnoidal.  The  head 
articulates  with  the  first  cervical  vertebra,  from  which  it  is  sus- 
pended by  its  posterior  extremity',  its  anterior  extremity  being 
free. 

Here  begins  the  line  of  the  vertebrae;  extending  the  w^hole 
length  of  the  body,  it  consists  of  a  series  of  single  bones,  termed 
vertebrso,  firmly  united  and  presenting  horizontally  a  succession 
of  curves;  thus  in  the  horse  the  neck,  back,  and  croup  are  usually 
curved,  while  the  loins  are  nearly  straight.  The  vertebral  chain 
is  usually  divided  into  five  regions,  exclusive  of  the  cranial  por- 
tion. These  are  the  cervical,  dorsal,  lumbar,  sacral,  and  coccy- 
geal, respectively  the  regions  of  the  neck,  back,  loins,  croup,  and 
tail.  The  bones  of  these  regions  are  seven  cervical;  eighteen 
dorsal,  corresponding  in  number  with  the  pairs  of  ribs;  five  or 
six  lumbar;  five  sacral,  and  the  coccygeal,  varying  from  thirteen 
to  twenty.  The  dorsal  vertebrae  superiorily,  the  ribs  and  their 
cartilages  laterally,  and  the  sternum  or  breast  bone  inferiorly, 
form  the  cavity  called  the  thorax.  In  the  horse  the  ribs  usually 
number  eighteen,  eight  of  these  being  true  ribs  and  attached  to 
the  sternum;   the  ten  posterior  ribs,   having  only   an   indirect 


92  THE    STOCK    OWNEe's    ADVISER. 

sternal  attachment,  are  known  as  false  ribs.  The  sternum  is  con- 
structed of  seven  bones,  united  by  cartilage  in  the  young  animal 
and  by  partial  ossification  in  the  adult. 

MUSCLES  AND  TENDONS. 

The  muscles  are  the  active  organs  of  motion,  or  of  locomotion. 
They  contain  a  specific  contractile  substance  termed  muscular 
tissue,  together  with  areolar  and  fibrous  tissue,  and  a  certain 
amount  of  fatty  material;  they  are  also  furnished  with  nerves, 
blood  vessels,  and  absorbents.  They  constitute  the  chief  bulk 
of  the  soft  parts  outside  the  three  great  cavities  of  the  body — 
the  cranial,  thoracic,  and  abdominal.  They  are  composed  of 
numerous  little  strings  or  contractile  fibers,  which  are  either  col- 
lected into  bundles  connected  at  their  extremities,  or  they  help 
to  form  the  walls  of  the  hollow  viscera;  for  example,  the  blad- 
der, stomach,  etc.  The  muscles  are  very  extensile — i.  e.,  capable 
of  being  extended  or  stretched;  when  one  set  of  muscles  con- 
tract the  opposing  muscles  are  extended.  They  possess  very  little 
elasticity,  but  that  little  is  very  perfect,  as  they  return  rapidly 
and  perfectly  to  their  original  length.  The  muscles  of  the  body 
are  always  in  a  state  of  extension — i.  e.,  always  slightly  stretched. 
When  a  stimulus  is  applied  to  the  muscle  it  responds  by  con- 
tracting. This  contractibility  is  the  characteristic  property  of 
muscle.  One  form  of  muscular  tissue  is  known  as  striated  or 
voluntary,  the  contractions  and  relaxations  being  controlled  by 
the  will  of  the  animal.  In  another  varietv  the  non-striated  or 
involuntary  action  is  beyond  the  control  of  the  will.  The  mus- 
cles grow  and  become  firmer  in  substance  from  exercise.  If, 
however,  the  exercise  be  excessive,  after  growing  to  a  certain 
extent,  they  will  waste.  We  have  atrophy  from  disuse  and 
atrophy  from  overuse.  Fattening  the  animal  does  not  increase 
his  muscles  or  his  strength;  nothing  but  the  adipose  or  fatty 
matter  is  increased.  This  gives  the  parts  a  full  and  rounded 
appearance,  so  much  admired  in  the  horse,  and  also  covers  up 
many  serious  defects.     The  accumulation  of  fat,  when  excessive, 


94  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

becomes  an  obstruction  to  muscular  action.  It  has,  however,  a 
happy  effect  upon  the  skin  and  hair.  Oozing  out  at  the  pores,  it 
oils  the  entire  surface  of  the  skin,  which  is  thus  kept  soft  and 
pliant,  making  the  hair  smooth  and  glossy.  The  tendons  are 
structures  resembling  ligaments  in  their  composition,  being- 
formed  of  white  fibrous  tissue  mixed  with  yellow.  They  form 
the  termination  and  attachment  of  muscles  to  the  bones,  are 
practically  non-elastic,  and  serve  an  important  purpose  in  the 
animal  economy. 

It  is  not  our  design  in  this  work  to  even  classify  the  muscles 
or  to  name  them.  The  reader  may  obtain  a  knowledge  of  their 
location  by  referring  to  the  plate,  which  shows  the  superficial 
muscles  of  the  body  and  their  names. 

MEMBRANES. 

The  muscles  are  bound  down  by  strong  membranous  expan- 
sions of  white  fibrous  tissue  called  fascia,  which  is  firmly  con- 
nected with  the  bone,  and  known  as  the  superficial  and  deep 
fascia.  The  superficial  fascia,  varying  in  thickness  in  different 
regions  of  the  body,  separates  the  muscles  from  the  skin.  Its 
chief  use  is  to  protect  the  vai'ious  structures  in  contact  and  to 
conserve  the  animal  heat,  fat  being  a  bad  conductor.  The 
aponeurotic  or  deep  fascia  encloses  the  body  of  each  muscle  in  a 
sheath,  and  becomes  united  to  and  blended  with  the  periosteum. 
This  fascia  is  very  strong,  and  prevents  displacement  of  the 
muscles  during  severe  exertion. 

Under  this  head  we  will  consider,  briefly,  the  membrane  which 
lines  the  four  great  systems  of  the  body — the  digestive,  respira- 
tory, urinary,  and  genital  systems — from  all  of  which  are  aper- 
tures on  the  surface  of  the  body.  These  cavities  are  lined  by 
mucous  membrane  and  provided  with  various  glands  and  other 
necessary  organs,  becoming  continuous  with  the  skin  at  each  of 
their  orifices.  While  it  lines  the  four  great  systems,  the  charac- 
ter of  the  membrane  changes  with  the  different  organs.  In  some 
it  is  smooth;  in  other  organs  it  is  rough  or  in  folds,  and  supplied 


STRUCTURE    OF    THE    HORSE.  95 

with  villi  or  papillae.  The  membrane  of  one  system  becomes 
continuous  with  that  of  another;  for  an  illustration,  the  mem- 
brane which  lines  the  digestive  canal  becomes  continuous  with 
that  lining  the  respiratory  canal.  In  a  similar  manner  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the  urinary  canal  becomes  continuous  wdth 
that  of  the  genital  canal  in  the  vagina  in  the  female,  in  the 
urethra  in  the  male;  the  membrane  becomes  continuous  with  the 
skin  at  the  orifice  of  these  organs.  The  closed  cavities  of  the 
body  ai-e  lined  by  serous  membranes.  The  following  are  the 
serous  membranes  and  their  position  in  the  body:  The  perito- 
neum lines  the  abdominal  cavity;  the  pleura  covers  the  lungs 
and  lines  the  thoracic  cavity;  the  pericardium,  that  contains  and 
supports  the  heart;  the  endocardium,  which  is  continued  through 
the  veins  and  arteries,  lymphatics,  etc. 

THE  SKIN  AND  ITS  APPENDAGES. 

The  skin  and  its  appendages  form  the  external  casing  of 
the  body.  The  skin  consists  of  two  parts — the  epidermis  or 
cuticle,  superficially  placed,  and  the  dermis,  corium  or  cutis  vera, 
which  forms  the  deep  layer.  Its  chief  appendages  are  glands 
and  the  epithelial  modifications,  hair,  horn,  and  hoof.  The  epi- 
dermis forms  a  protective  covering  over  the  whole  surface  of  the 
body.  It  varies  in  thickness  in  different  parts,  being  especially 
thick  wherever  the  skin  is  exposed  to  friction.  It  is  moulded 
over  the  surface  of  the  corium,  covering  the  ridges,  depressions, 
and  papillae.  It  is  made  up  of  three  principal  layers — the  horny 
layer,  or  stratum  corueiim,  is  the  most  superficial,  and  consists 
of  layers  of  flattened  cells,  which  are  dry  and  horny,  without  any 
nucleus;  the  stratum  lucidum,  composed  of  several  layers  of  nu- 
cleated cells,  which  are  more  or  less  indistinct  and  in  section 
appear  as  an  almost  homogeneous  layer;  the  rete  mucosum  or 
malpighian  layer  consists,  in  its  upper  part,  of  layers  of  prickle 
cells,  and  its  inferior  layer  consists  of  a  single  stratum  of 
columnar  cells.  In  these  cells  the  pigment  exists  which  gives 
color  to  the  skin.     The  cuticle  is  itself  insensible,  but  one  of  its 


96  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

most  important  fimctions  is  to  protect  the  parts  beneath.  There 
is  at  all  times  a  change  taking  place  in  the  outer  covering  of  the 
animal — a  constant  alteration  and  renewal  of  every  part  of  it. 
The  scarf  skin  is  constantly  throwing  off  dry  scales.  In  pro- 
ducing a  blister,  the  scarf  skin  is  raised  from  the  skin  beneath 
and  thrown  off,  and  in  mange  it  is  thrown  off  in  dry,  hard  scales. 
The  dermis  or  true  skin  lies  beneath  the  rete  mucosum.  It  is 
made  up  of  an  interlacing  network  of  connective  tissues,  formed 
of  white  fibrous  tissue,  yellow  elastic  tissue,  corpuscles,  vessels 
and  nerves.  It  is  very  vascular  and  highly  sensitive,  being  the 
seat  of  touch.  It  is  attached  to  the  underlying  parts  by  a  layer 
of  areolar  tissue,  which  usually  contains  fat.  The  dennis  con- 
sists of  fibro-areolar  tissue  and  vessels  of  supply;  it  is  divided  into 
two  layers — the  deep  and  true  corium  and  the  upper  and  papil- 
liary.  The  skin  everywhere  clothes  the  external  surface  of  the 
body,  protecting  the  underlying  parts  from  injury.  It  affords 
support  and  protection  to  the  termination  of  the  sensory  ner\^es, 
which  render  it  an  important  sense  organ.  It  is  a  bad  conductor 
of  heat,  and  thus  serves  to  preserve  the  heat  of  the  body.  It  is 
supplied  with  a  large  extent  of  capillary  blood  vessels,  and  thus, 
by  its  means,  a  large  surface  of  blood  is  exposed  to  the  cooling 
influence  of  the  air.  The  dilation  or  contraction  of  the  blood 
vessels  supplying  the  skin  helps  to  regulate  the  heat  of  the  body. 
The  sweat  glands,  which  it  contains,  make  it  an  important  excre- 
tory organ.  It  plays  a  subsidiary  part  as  an  organ  of  respiration. 
Under  exceptional  circumstances,  absorption  takes  place  from  its 
surface.  The  sebaceous  glands  lodged  in  the  corium  are  most 
abundant  in  parts  exposed  to  friction.  They  generally  open  into 
the  hair  follicles,  and  occasionally  on  the  surface  of  the  skin. 
The  sudoriferous  or  sweat  glands  are  situated  in  the  subcutane- 
ous areolar  tissue,  surrounded  by  a  quantity  of  fat.  They  are 
small,  round,  reddish  bodies,  each  of  which  consists  of  one  or 
more  fine  tubes  coiled  into  a  ball,  the  free  end  of  the  tube  being 
continued  up  through  the  true  skin  and  cuticle  and  opening  on 
the  surface  by  a  funnel-shaped  orifice. 


STRUCTURE    OF    THE    HORSE,  97 

The  liair  is  the  clothing  of  the  horse,  and  is  a  modification  of 
the  epidermis.  The  hair  consists  of  a  shaft  and  a  root.  The 
shaft  of  the  hair  is  cylindrical  and  covered  with  a  layer  of  scales, 
arranged  with  their  edges  npwards.  The  substance  of  the  hair 
consists  of  fiber's,  in  which  nnclei  may  be  discovered.  There  are 
also  present  in  some  hairs  small  air  spaces.  In  the  coarse  hair 
there  is  the  medulla,  which  is  occupied  by  small,  angiilar  cells 
and  fat  grannies.  The  root  of  the  hair  swells  ont  into  a  knob, 
and  fits  into  a  recess  in  the  skin,  called  a  hair  follicle.  The  fol- 
licle consists  of  two  coats^ — an  outer  or  dermic  coat,  continuous 
with  the  corium,  and  an  inner,  continuous  with  the  epidermis 
and  called  the  root  sheath. 

The  condition  of  the  horse's  health  is  shown  by  his  hair.  If 
debilitated  or  diseased,  his  coat  will  be  dry,  harsh,  and  standing. 
When  in  health,  his  coat  will  be  soft  and  sleek,  presenting  a 
yielding  softness  and  elasticity.  The  fatty  matter  from  the 
sebaceous  glands  softens  and  oils  the  hair,  causing  it  to  lie  in  its 
proper  direction,  and  giving  it  a  smooth  and  glossy  appearance. 
We  can  also  judge  the  horse's  breeding  by  his  coat.  The  com- 
mon-bred horse  has  a  long,  shaggy  coat.  The  coat  of  the  well- 
bred  horse  is  short,  of  a  finer  texture,  and  more  downy  in  its 
character.  When  we  see  a  horse  clipped,  we  know  that  he  is  of 
common  blood.  We  condemn  the  practice  of  clipping.  Nature 
has  provided  different  suits  for  the  horse  in  different  seasons. 
In  the  spring  the  old  coat  of  thick,  coarse  hair  comes  off,  and  a 
new  one,  a  half  or  quarter  of  an  inch  in  length,  is  ready  to  take 
its  place.  The  old  coat,  as  the  weather  grows  warmer,  is  gradu- 
ally replaced  by  the  new.  Part  of  the  new  coat  is  shed  as  the 
warm  summer  days  approach.  As  the  season  again  changes  and 
the  cold  increases,  a  new  suit  of  hair  begins  to  show  itself,  much 
thicker  and  coarser.  This  is  in  addition  to  the  finer  summer 
coat,  with  which  it  foruis  an  excellent  clothing  for  winter.  The 
suit  which  the  horse  will  need  in  the  fall  begins  to  grow  in  the 
spring,  and  that  for  the  spring  in  the  fall.  We  should  not  tam- 
per with  nature  by  clipping. 


98  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

FOOT. 

In  equine  anatomy  the  word  "foot"  implies  the  hoof,  together 
with  the  bones  and  soft  structures  contained  therein.  The  foot 
is  of  the  greatest  practical  importance,  owing  to  the  many  dis- 
eases and  injuries  to  which  it  is  liable.  The  protective  portion, 
or  wall  of  the  foot,  closely  resembles  the  epidermis.  It  is,  in 
fact,  a  modification  of  that  structure,  consisting  of  hard  and  thin 
layers  of  cells  on  the  surface  and  round,  moist  cells  beneath. 
The  highly  sensitive  secreting  portion  is  also  a  modification  of 
the  skin.  The  hoof  of  the  horse  corresponds  to  the  finger-nail  of 
man,  but  is  developed  over  the  sides,  forming  a  protective,  horny 
case,  enveloping  the  inferior  extremity  of  the  digit.  The  wall 
is  that  part  visible  when  the  hoof  rests  on  the  ground;  the  sole 
forms  the  inferior  portion  of  the  hoof;  and,  lastly,  the  frog  is  the 
interior  horny  substance. 

In  speaking  of  the  wall,  we  designate  its  different  parts,  as  the 
toe,  quarters,  heels,  and  bars.  The  toe  forms  the  front  of  the 
hoof,  and  is  the  deepest  and  thickest  part  of  the  wall,  which 
gradually  declines  in  height  as  it  passes  backwards  to  form  the 
quarters;  these  occupy  the  space  between  the  toe  and  heels.  The 
wall  decreases  in  thickness  from  the  front,  being  not  more  than 
one-third  as  thick  on  the  sides.  At  the  back  or  posterior  part  of 
the  foot  the  wall  takes  on  each  side  a  sudden  bend,  forming  an 
acute  angle,  and  is  continued  inwards  to  the  center  of  the  foot, 
where  the  two  parts  unite  with  the  sole.  The  angles  of  the  in- 
flections are  called  the  heels,  the  inflections  themselves  the  bars, 
the  latter  forming  stays  to  the  quarters.  The  external  surface  of 
the  wall  is,  in  a  state  of  nature,  covered  by  a  kind  of  epithelial 
varnish,  termed  the  periople,  which  is  thickest  at  the  top  of  the 
wall,  just  under  the  hair.  This,  which  is  a  natural  varnish  pro- 
vided to  check  evaporation  and  consequent  cracking  of  the  sub- 
jacent horn,  is  generally  rasped  away  by  the  shoeing  smith.  The 
internal  surface  of  the  wall  is  traversed  in  a  vertical  direction 
by  the  series  of  horny  laminae,  numbering  about  five  or  six  hun- 


STRUCTURE     OF    THE     HORSE.  99 

dred.  The  superior  or  corinar\'  border  of  the  wall  shows  a  gutter, 
t-enned  the  cutigeral  groove,  which  is  the  mould  left  by  the  coro- 
nary cushion.  The  inferior  border  embraces  the  sole,  and  in  the 
unshod  animal  comes  into  contact  with  the  ground. 

The  sole  is  a  thick  plate  of  horn,  which  helps  to  form  the 
inferior  portion  of  the  hoof.  It  is  comprised  between  the  inner 
border  of  the  inferior  part  of  the  wall  and  the  inflection  of  the 
bars.  The  inferior  or  external  surface  forms  a  vault,  which  is 
more  or  less  concave  in  different  animals.  The  superior  face  is 
somewhat  convex,  and  has  a  punctuated  appearance,  similar  to 
that  already  seen  in  the  cutigeral  groove.  The  minute  holes 
lodge  the  papillae  of  the  so-called  sensitive  sole,  which  is  the 
horn-secreting  structure  of  this  region.  Anteriorly  the  sole 
presents  a  convex  border,  which  unites  it  intimately  to  the  lower 
border  of  the  wall,  a  line  of  whitish  horn  marking  the  junction 
of  the  two  structures.  Posteriorly,  it  has  a  deep  Y-shaped  in- 
dentation, into  the  central  point  of  which  the  frog  penetrates. 

The  frog  is  an  elastic  mass  of  horn,  which  in  a  state  of  nature 
projects  sufficiently  to  come  in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  thus 
give  the  animal  a  secure  foothold.  Its  inferior  surface  shows 
posteriorly  a  shallow  cleft,  or  depression,  termed  the  median 
lacuna.  The  superior  surface  shows  a  projection  termed  the 
frog-stay.  On  each  side  of  the  frog-stay  this  surface  is  depressed, 
and  the  whole  is  moulded  on  the  plantar  cushion.  The  base  or 
posterior  extremities  constitute  the  heels  or  bulbs  of  the  frog; 
these  are  two  round,  flexible,  and  elastic  eminences  formed  by 
two  extremities,  and  separated  by  the  cleft.  The  anterior  ex- 
tremity, or  point,  is  wedged  into  the  center  of  the  sok'.  The 
lateral  borders  bring  the  frog  into  relation  with  the  bars  and  the 
sole,  and  there  is  an  intimate  union  with  each  of  these  at  the 
point  of  contact.  The  parts  contained  within  the  hoof  are  the 
OS  pedis,  05  navicular,  the  distal  extremity  of  the  os  coronse,  the 
ligaments  by  which  these  are  connected  together,  the  insertion 
of  the  extensor  pedis  and  flexor  perforans  tendon  and  the  vessels 
and  nerves.      There  are   also  certain   stmctures  proper   to   the 


100  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

foot — viz.,  the  lateral  cartilages,   sensitive  frog,   coronary  liga- 
ment, sensitive  lamina,  and  sensitive  sole. 

The  lateral  cartilages  are  two  thin  plates,  composed  of  hyaline 
cartilage  in  the  middle,  partaking  more  of  the  nature  of  fibro- 
cartilage  towards  the  borders.  They  are  of  an  irregular  qua- 
drangular form,  and  surmount  the  wings  of  the  cofhn  bone.  The 
sensitive  portion  of  the  foot  is  attached  to  the  inner  surface  of 
the  hoof.  The  sensitive  frog  occupies  the  posterior  and  central 
parts  of  the  foot,  filling  up  the  iri'egular  space  between  the  late- 
ral cartilage,  flexor  tendons,  and  os  pedis.  The  coronary  sub- 
stance, or  coronary  band,  is  that  vascular  structure  which  occu- 
pies the  cutigeral  groove  on  the  superior  border  of  the  wall.  The 
sensitive  laminie  are  the  continuations  of  the  coronary  substance, 
and  are  attached  to  the  coffin  bone  by  a  dense,  fibrous  mem- 
brane. The  sensitive  sole,  continuous  with  the  sensitive  laminae 
and  frog,  is  firmly  attached  to  the  coffin  bone;  like  the  sensitive 
laminse,  it  is  made  up  of  a  fibro-vascular  membrane,  clothed  by 
a  continuation  of  the  corum,  covered  by  villi,  which  secrete  the 
horny  sole.  The  perioplic  ring  is  composed  of  papillae  like  those 
of  the  coronaiy  cushion,  but  smaller  in  size,  and  it  is  by  its 
agency  that  the  periople  whidi  covers  the  exterior  of  the  wall  is 
formed. 

THE  BLOOD. 

The  blood,  as  it  exists  in  the  living  body,  is  a  red,  homogene- 
ous, alkaline  fluid,  of  saltish  taste  and  faint  odor;  its  specific 
gravity  is  1052-1058.  It  consists  of  minute,  solid  bodies,  the 
corpuscles  floating  in  a  liquid,  the  liquor  sanguinis.  The  cor- 
puscles are  of  two  kinds — the  red  and  the  white,  or  colorless; 
the  former,  by  far  the  more  numerous,  exist  in  varying  propor- 
tions. The  red  corpuscles  are  circular  biconcave  discs  of 
1.4000th  part  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  their  average  thickness 
being  about  one-fourth  of  this. 

The  white  corpuscles  are  larger  than  the  red,  spheroidal  in 
shape.  Some  of  them  are  smaller  than  the  red,  and  have  a  lower 
specific  gravity.     They  possess  one  or  two  nuclei,   which  are 


102  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

readily  brought  out  by  acetic  acid.  The  white  corpuscles  are 
present  in  the  blood  in  the  proportion  of  1  per  300  red  corpuscles 
after  a  meal  and  1  per  800  during  fasting;  they  are  much  more 
numerous  in  some  diseases,  as  in  leucocythaemia. 

The  liquor  sanguinis  is  a  clear,  yellow,  alkaline  fluid,  in  which 
the  corpuscles  float.  It  is  pale  and  clear,  and  consists  of  water, 
fibrin,  albumen,  fatty  compounds,  extracts,  odoriferous,  and 
saline  matters.  It  may  be  obtained  by  allowing  the  slowly 
coagulable  blood  of  the  horse  to  stand  in  a  tall  vessel  surrounded 
by  ice.  The  temperature  of  0°  C.  prevents  coagulation,  the 
corpuscles  subside,  and  the  clear  fluid  may  be  removed  by 
pipette.  Its  composition  may  be  described  as  serum  plus  the 
elements  of  fibrin.  The  serum  is  a  thin,  transparent  liquid,  of  a 
pale  straw  or  yellow  color,  consisting  of  the  liquor  sanguinis 
deprived  of  fibrin.  It  contains  nearly  90  per  cent,  of  water,  is 
always  slightly  alkaline,  and  coagulates  when  heated,  owing  to 
the  large  quantity  of  albumen  it  contains.  Fibrin  is  a  white, 
stringy,  elastic  substance,  which,  when  the  blood  is  in  circula- 
tion, is  in  solution,  and  cannot  be  distinguished  from  the  other 
constituents  of  the  plasma.  It  may  be  obtained  by  stirring  some 
freshly-drawn  blood  with  a  stick  or  bundle  of  twigs.  It  is  in- 
soluble in  water  or  alcohol :  soluble  in  alkalies,  lactic  phosphoric, 
and  acetic  acids. 

THE  CIRCULATION. 

The  circulatory  system  of  the  horse,  like  that  in  the  human 
body,  is  carried  on  by  means  of  the  heart,  arteries,  capillaries, 
and  veins.  The  heart  beats  about  thirty  to  forty  per  minute, 
alternately  receiving  blood  from  the  venous  system  and  dis- 
charging it  into  the  pulmonary  artery  and  aorta.  The  arteries, 
with  their  elastic  and  muscular  walls,  form  channels  for  the 
blood  to  the  system,  assisting  the  heart  in  maintaining  the  cir- 
culation and  regulating  the  supply  of  blood  to  the  different 
parts.  The  capillaries  are  vessels  of  minute  calibre,  with  thin, 
permeable,  elastic  walls,  allowing  both  liquor  sanguinis  and 
white  corpuscles  to  pass  through  tlieir  walls  into  the  surrounding 


8TRUCTUKE    OF    THE    HORSE.  103 

tissues.  The  veins  form  channels  back  to  the  heart.  They  are 
provided  with  muscular  walls  and  valves,  and  are  sufficiently 
capacious  to  hold  the  total  blood  of  the  body. 

THE  HEART. 

The  heart  is  a  hollow,  involuntary,  muscular  organ,  and  acts 
as  a  force-pump  in  maintaining  the  circulation  of  the  blood.  It 
consists  of  four  chambers,  with  contractile  walls,  located  in  the 
chest,  and  surrounded  by  the  pericardium,  a  fibro-serous  bag,  in 
which  it  works.  The  pericardium  is  considerably  larger  than 
the  heart.  It  is  fixed  to  the  sternum  from  about  the  third  chon- 
dro-sternal  joint  to  within  an  inch  of  the  insertion  of  the  dia- 
phragm across  the  ensiform  cartilage,  while  its  upper  and  nar- 
rower part  surrounds  and  is  attached  to  the  great  vessels  con- 
nected with  the  base  of  the  heart.  It  consists  of  an  external 
fibrous  layer  and  an  internal  serous  sac.  In  form  the  heart  re- 
sembles a  cone,  slightly  flattened  from  side  to  side,  its  base  being 
turned  upwards  and  towards  the  dorsal  vertebrae,  from  which 
the  heart  is  suspended  by  the  blood  vessels  that  spring  from  it; 
the  apex  points  downwards,  backwards,  and  to  the  left  side, 
lying  at  about  the  level  of  the  last  bone  of  the  sternum;  the 
organ  extends  from  about  the  third  to  the  sixth  rib,  inclusive. 

The  heart  contains  four  chambers,  two  auricles  and  two  ven- 
tricles. The  cavities  of  the  right  side  of  the  heart  are,  the  right 
auricle  and  right  ventricle,  the  auricle  being  placed  above  the 
ventricle.  Into  the  right  auricle  open  the  two  vena  cava  and  the 
coronary  veins — those  which  supply  the  heart  itself  with  blood; 
the  auriculo-ventricular  opening;  openings  of  one  or  two  small 
veins  of  right  ventricle;  foramina  Thebesii,  which  are  small 
depressions,  some  of  them  transmitting  minute  veins.  The  blood 
leaves  the  right  auricle  through  the  auriculo-ventricular  open- 
ing, and  enters  the  right  ventricle,  which  occupies  the  antero- 
inferior part  of  the  right  side  of  the  heart.  Its  outer  walls  are 
thicker  than  those  of  the  auricle.  Two  openings  present  them- 
selves in  the  right  ventricle,  guarded  by  valves,  the  auriculo- 


104  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

ventricular  opening-  and  the  ])iilmonarv  artery.  The  auriculo- 
ventricnlar  opening  is  guarded  by  the  tricuspid  valves,  con- 
sisting of  three  triangular  cusps  or  segments,  which,  connected 
at  their  bases,  surround  the  opening.  The  entrance  of  the  pul- 
monary artery  is  guarded  by  three  semilunar  or  sigmoid  valves, 
which  consist  of  semi-circular  folds  of  the  lining  membrane. 
When  blood  passes  from  the  ventricle  to  the  pulmonary  artery 
the  valves  are  laid  against  the  sides  of  the  vessel;  when  the  cur- 
rent is  checked  a  portion  of  it  falls  back  towards  the  ventricle, 
and  the  valves  are  now  thrown  inwards;  they  become  distended, 
overlap  and  completely  close  the  tube.  The  blood,  after  being 
purified  in  the  lungs  re-enters  the  heart  at  the  left  auricle, 
which  is  smaller  than  the  right,  but  its  walls  are  thicker.  It  is 
situated  at  the  left  postero-superior  part  of  the  heart.  It  re- 
ceives two  pulmonary  veins  on  each  side,  and  opens  into  the  left 
ventricle  through  the  mitral  valve.  The  interior  of  the  left 
auricle  is  smooth  like  the  right,  its  appendix  presenting  musculi 
pectinati.  The  remaining  opening  in  the  left  auricle  is  the 
auriculo-ventricular  opening,  which  occupies  the  floor  and  com- 
municates with  the  left  ventricle.  The  blood  leaves  the  left 
auricle,  enters  the  left  ventricle,  which  is  conical,  and  occupies 
the  posterior  left  region  of  the  heart.  Two  openings  present 
themselves — the  auriculo-ventricular,  guarded  by  the  mitral, 
and  the  aortic,  guarded  by  the  semilunar  valves.  The  venous 
blood  is  carried  into  the  right  auricle  by  the  anterior  and  pos- 
terior vense  cavse.  It  then  passes  through  the  right  auriculo- 
ventricular  opening  into  the  right  ventricle;  thence  through 
the  pulmonary  artery  to  the  lungs.  It  returns  by  the  pulmonary 
veins  to  the  auricle;  tlience  to  the  left  ventricle,  which  propels 
it  through  the  aorta  and  its  branches  into  the  system  generally, 
the  veins  returning  it  again  to  the  heart.  The  circulation  is, 
therefore,  double,  the  pulmonary  or  lesser  being  performed  by 
the  right,  and  the  somatic  or  greater  circulation  1)y  the  left  side. 
The  arteries  are  elastic  and  contractile  tubes,  which  convey 
the  blood  from  the  heart  to  the  capillaries.     Each  artery  has 


STRUCTURE    OF    THE    HORSE.  105 

three  distinct  coats — an  internal,  middle,  and  external.  The 
internal  coat  is  formed  of  an  epithelial  layer,  a  sub-epithelial 
layer,  and  an  elastic  layer.  The  middle  coat  is  formed  of  muscle, 
with  a  slight  admixture  of  elastic  tissue.  The  external  coat 
consists  of  fine,  connective  tissue,  with  a  various  amount  of 
elastic  tissue  arranged  longitudinally.  The  external  coat  is  very 
tough,  while  the  middle  and  internal  are  elastic  and  brittle.  On 
ligaturing  an  artery,  the  internal  and  middle  coats  give  way, 
while  the  external  one  is  left  unbroken.  The  heart  contracts 
and  propels  the  blood  from  the  left  ventricle  through  the  aorta, 
the  great  artery  of  the  whole  body.  This,  after  proceeding 
about  two  inches,  divides  into  two  large  branches.  The  smaller 
branch  is  extended,  by  a  multitude  of  sub-divisions,  to  every  part 
of  the  head  and  fore  extremity,  the  larger  one,  in  a  similar 
manner,  throughout  the  body  and  hind  extremities.  In  the  smaller 
arteries  anastomoses  are  frequent,  forming  a  net-work,  which 
pervades  every  tissue  of  the  body.  This  is  a  point  of  great  im- 
portance, since  the  circulation  can  be  thus  carried  on  after  the 
main  artery  of  the  region  has  been  obliterated;  and  it  is  proved 
that  under  such  circumstances  the  smaller  arteries  of  the  part 
increase  in  size.  As  the  blood  nears  the  extremities,  the  arte- 
ries grow  smaller,  being  divided  and  sub-divided  to  supply  the 
various  tissues  of  the  body.  The  blood  ultimately  reaches  the 
capillaries,  which  are  interposed  between  the  termination  of  the 
arteries  and  the  commencement  of  the  veins,  forming  plexuses, 
which  A'ary  much  in  arrangement.  The  capillary  vessels  are 
very  small,  their  diameter  being  about  1.3000  of  an  inch.  The 
blood  flows  through  the  capillaries  with  less  velocity  than  in 
arteries  or  veins.  The  flow  is  constant,  not  intermittent,  as  in 
the  larger  arteries.  AVhile  ])assing  through  the  capillaries  the 
blood  unloads  its  nutritive  material  and  takes  on  effete  or  waste 
material,  conveying  it  back  to  the  heart  through  the  veins. 

The  veins  carry  the  blood  from  the  capillaries  to  the  heart. 
They  ramify  through  the  body  like  the  arteries,  but  arc  more 
numerous,  anastomose  more  freely,  and  are  of  greater  capacity 


106  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Thej  usually  aocompany  the  arteries;  but  there  are  exceptions 
to  this  rule.  The  veins  have  thinner  walls  than  the  arteries; 
their  inner  coat  closely  resembles  that  of  the  arteries.  The  mid- 
dle coat  is  thinner  and  less  muscular,  and  contains  more  white, 
fibrous  tissue  than  the  middle  coat  of  the  arteries.  The  external 
coat  consists  of  connective  tissue  and  elastic  fibers.  A  feature 
peculiar  to  the  veins  is  the  existence  of  valves  of  various  con- 
struction, which  prevent  the  blood  from  returning  upon  its 
course,  and  assist  in  impelling  it  toward  the  heart.  The  veins 
of  the  extremities,  neck,  and  scalp  have  numerous  valves,  which 
are  absent  for  the  most  part  in  the  deep  veins  of  the  abdomen, 
chest,  and  cranium.  The  dark,  purplish  blood  of  the  veins 
empties  into  the  heart  again  at  the  right  auricle;  after  passing 
through  the  auriculo-ventricular  opening  to  the  right  ventricle, 
it  passes  through  the  pulmonary  artery  to  the  lungs,  where  the 
impure,  dark  blood  is  purified  and  changed  to  a  scarlet  color, 
and  sent  again  on  its  round. 

The  lymphatic  system,  connected  with  the  blood  vascular 
system,  consists  of  a  series  of  tubes,  which  absorb  and  convey 
to  the  blood  certain  fluids,  lymph  and  chyle.  They  take  their 
origin  in  every  tissue  of  the  body  supplied  with  blood;  they 
carry  back  into  the  vascular  system  any  excess  of  the  plasma  of 
the  blood  which  has  transuded  from  the  capillaries,  and  is  not 
required  for  the  nutrition  of  the  tissues. 

The  lym])hatics  unite  to  form  two  large  trunks,  the  thoracic 
duct  and  the  right  lymphatic  vein,  botli  of  which  enter  the 
venous  system  near  the  heart.  Delicate  in  structure  and  trans- 
parent, they  are  j^resent  in  nearly  every  tissue,  and  although 
more  numerous  than  the  blood  vessels,  their  collective  capacity 
is  probably  not  greater. 

RESPIRATORY   ORGANS. 

Respiration  is  carried  on  by  the  lungs,  bronchial  tubes, 
trachea,  larynx,  and  the  nasal  chambers,  with  the  assistance  of 
the  inspiratory  muscles  and  the  respiratory  nerves.     The  lungs 


STRUCTURE    OF    THE    HORSE.  107 

are  surrounded  hy  the  pleurae,  the  smooth  surface  of  the  latter 
diminishing  friction  during-  the  movements  of  respiration.  They 
consist  of  two  conical-shaped,  spongy  organs,  the  right  and  left, 
situated  in  the  thoracic  cavity.  They  are  separated  by  the 
mediastinum,  heart,  pericardium,  and  large  blood  vessels.  The 
right  lung  is  larger  than  the  left,  and  is  more  frequently  dis- 
eased. Healthy  lungs  float  in  water,  and  are  of  a  rosy,  flesh 
color,  marked  by  an  irregular  marbling  or  mottling.  In  conse- 
quence of  their  extremely  cellular  or  porous  structure,  they  are 
capable  of  great  expansion  and  contraction  during  the  process 
of  breathing.  They  consist  of  lobes,  lobules,  bronchi,  terminal 
bronchioles,  alveolar  passages  and  infundibula,  air  sacs,  blood 
vessels,  and  nerves.  The  lol)es  are  the  primary  divisions,  the 
right  having  three,  the  left  two.  The  lobes  are  divided  into 
lobules  of  various  sizes,  separated  by  fine  connective  tissue.  The 
bronchi,  on  entering  the  lung,  divide  and  redivide,  each  of  a 
smaller  division  entering  a  lobule.  They  resemble  the  trachea, 
forming  in  the  larger  tubes  incomplete  cartilaginous  rings  by 
sub-division.  Each  terminal  bronchiole  ends  in  one  or  more  en- 
larged passages,  called  the  alveolar  passages,  from  which  are 
given  off  blind  dilatations,  the  end  sacs.  The  air  sacs,  or  cells, 
are  about  1-100  inch  in  diameter,  lined  by  nucleated  cells.  The 
pulmonary  arteries  accompany  the  bronchial  tubes.  Their  ter- 
minal branches  lie  between  the  air  sacs,  and  send  a  net-work  of 
capillaries  over  them.  The  bronchial  arteries  arise  from  the 
aorta,  and  are  distributed  to  the  bronchi,  lymphatic  glands,  con- 
nective tissue,  and  mucous  membrane.  The  lymphatics  arise 
from  the  spaces  occupied  by  the  connective  tissue  cells  in  the 
elastic  tissue  around  the  air  sacs,  and  empty  themselves  into  the 
perivascular  lymphatics,  and  eventually  enter  the  bronchial 
lymph  glands. 

The  nostrils  furnish  the  sole  means  of  admitting  air  to  the 
lungs.  They  modify  the  condition  of  the  air.  If  it  is  too  cold 
they  warm  it;  if  too  dry,  they  moisten  it.     They  are  lined  by  a 


108  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

delicate,  pale,  rose-colored  mucous  memLrane,  the  Schneiderian 
memhrane.  The  horse,  not  being  able  to  breathe  through  the 
month,  takes  in  the  air  by  the  nasal  chambers  only.  It  then 
passes  into  the  larynx,  which  is  situated  immediately  behind  and 
below  the  nasal  chambers,  and  at  the  anterior  extremity  of  the 
windpipe.  This  not  onh'  gives  passage  to  air,  but  is  the  organ 
of  voice.  The  cartilages  which  form  the  larynx  are  seven  in 
number — three  single  ones  and  two  pairs.  The  former  are  the 
cricoid,  thyroid,  epiglottis;  the  hitter  the  arytenoid  and  cunei- 
form cartilages.  We  make  special  mention  of  the  epiglottis, 
since  its  office  is  so  important.  It  is  situated  in  front  of  the 
opening  of  the  larynx,  which  it  completely  closes  during  the 
passage  of  food  through  the  pharynx  into  the  oesophagus.  It  is 
soft  and  leaf-shaped,  and  is  so  attached  that,  when  the  animal 
swallows,  it  shuts  down  and  backwards,  so  as  to  entirely  close 
the  opening  of  the  larynx.  Thus  the  food  and  water,  in  their 
passage  to  the  stomach,  are  prevented  from  entering  the  lungs, 
but  go  onward  into  the  oesophagus;  after  which  the  elastic 
muscles  of  the  epiglottis  in  an  instant  throw  it  back  to  its  origi- 
nal position,  and  the  windpipe  is  open  again.  The  larynx  is  suc- 
ceeded ])}'  the  trachea;  running  down  the  neck,  it  enters  the 
thorax,  and  terminates  at  the  base  of  the  heart,  where  it  divides 
into  the  right  and  left  bronchi.  It  consists  of  forty  or  fifty 
rings,  the  ends  of  which  overlap  posteriorly,  forming  a  perfect 
expansile  tube.  The  entire  trachea  is  lined  by  mucous  mem- 
brane. 

The  lungs  operate  on  the  same  principle  as  a  pair  of  bellows. 
When  ihe  cavity  of  the  thorax  is  enlarged  by  the  contraction  of 
certain  muscles,  the  lungs  become  distended  by  drawing  in  air. 
When  the  muscles  relax,  the  lungs  tend  to  collapse,  expelling 
most  of  their  contained  air.  The  blood,  through  respiration,  is 
cooled  and  loses  watery  vapor.  It  gains  oxygen  and  loses  car- 
bonic acid  gas,  which  the  venous  circulation  has  brought  back 
from  all  parts  of  the  system. 


EXPLANATION  OF  FIGUEE  6. 


Digestive   Apparatus  of  the  Hokse. 


1.  Mouth. 

2.  Pharynx. 

3.  CEsophagus. 

4.  Diaphragm. 

5.  Spleen. 

6.  Stomach  (left  sac). 

7.  Duodenum. 

8.  Liver  (upper  extremity). 

9.  Great  colon. 
10.  Caecum. 


11.  Small  intestine. 

12.  Floating  colon. 

13.  Eectum. 

14.  Anus. 

15.  Left  kidney  and  ureter. 

16.  Bladder. 

17.  Urethra. 

A.  Hard  palate. 

B.  Tongue. 

C.  Soft  palate. 

D.  Trachea. 

E.  Pulmonary  artery  (divided). 

F.  Heart. 

G.  Posterior  aorta. 


(110) 


STEUCTUKE  OF  THE  HORSE.  HI 


THE  DIGESTIVE  SYSTEM. 

The  digestive  organs  comprise  the  alimentary  canal  and  its 
accessories,  extending  from  the  lips  to  the  anus.  Its  walls  are 
composed  of  muscular  tissue,  and  lined  throughout  by  mucous 
membrane.  It  consists  of  a  continuous  series  of  tubes,  each  of 
which  will  be  considered  in  natural  order.  The  food  is  pre- 
pared in  the  mouth,  where  it  is  crushed  between  the  teeth  and 
rolled  about  by  the  tongue,  to  mix  it  thoroughly  with  the  saliva. 
The  mouth  is  lined  by  a  mucous  membrane,  consisting  of  a 
stratified  epithelium,  the  superficial  cells  being  flat  and  horny. 
The  tongue  is  a  muscular  organ,  which  plays  an  important  part 
in  articulation,  mastication,  and  as  the  organ  of  taste.  The  lips 
of  the  horse  are  the  organs  of  prehension,  taking  up  the  food. 
They  consist  of  skin,  mucous  membrane,  muscles,  vessels, 
nerves,  areolar  tissue,  and  fat.  The  cheeks  are  continuous  with 
the  lips,  and  close  the  mouth  laterally;  they  consist  of  an  exter- 
nal cuticular,  a  central  muscular,  and  an  internal  mucous.  The 
hard  plate  forms  the  roof  of  the  mouth,  and  serves  the  purpose 
of  assisting  the  tongue  to  manipulate  the  food.  The  soft  palate, 
or  velum  pendulum  palati,  is  the  valvular  curtain  suspended 
between  the  mouth  and  pharynx,  and  consists  of  a  double  fold  of 
mucous  membrane,  enclosing  muscles,  glands,  and  nerves. 

The  salivary  glands  are  accessories  of  the  mouth.  They 
secrete  the  saliva,  which  is  discharged  into  the  mouth,  and  satu- 
rates the  food  during  mastication.  There  are  three  pairs — ^viz., 
parotid,  submaxillary,  and  the  sublingual.  The  parotid,  the 
largest  of  the  three,  is  situated  in  the  space  bounded  by  the  pos- 
terior border  of  the  inferior  maxilla  and  at  the  anterior  border 
of  the  wing  of  the  atlas;  it  lies  immediately  below  and  partly 
surrounds  the  ear.  The  glands  form  a  duct,  known  by  anato- 
mists as  Steno's  duct.  It  enters  the  mouth  at  about  the  level  of 
the  third  upper  molar.  The  submaxillary  gland  lies  in  the 
maxillary  space,  below  and  behind  the  parotid,  and  terminates 
in  what  is  known  as  Wharton^ s  duct.     It  opens  into  the  mouth 


112  THE    STOCK    OWXEk's    ADVISER. 

rather  in  front  of  the  fraennni  lingnie.  The  sublingual  gland  is 
situated  under  the  tongue.  It  opens  by  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
small  ducts,  known  as  ducts  of  Bivinus.  There  are  other  small 
salivary  glands  situated  in  the  cheek  and  under  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  lips.  Glands  are  found  at  the  base  of  the 
tongue  and  along  its  sides  and  in  the  soft  palate.  The  use  of 
saliva  is  to  liquefy  starch  foods  and  change  the  starch  into 
dextrin  and  maltose.  It  moistens  the  food,  and  therefore  assists 
in  mastication  and  deglutition.  It  administers  to  the  sense  of 
taste  by  dissolving  the  food. 

THE  TEETH. 

The  teeth  perform  a  most  important  function  in  preparing 
the  food  for  digestion.  The  horse,  like  man,  has  two  sets — the 
temporary  or  milk  teeth  and  the  permanent  set,  the  former  num- 
bering twenty-four,  the  latter  forty.  In  the  mare  there  are 
usually  thirty-'six  permanent  teeth,  the  tusks  being  wanting  or 
rudiiuentary. 

The  incisors,  or  front  teeth,  in  the  horse  are  twelve  in  num- 
ber, six  in  each  jaw;  the  upper  ones  are  longer  than  the  lower. 
The  central  pair,  or  nippers,  are  called  the  central  incisors, 
the  two  adjoining  teeth  the  lateral,  while  the  outer  ones,  which 
are  the  smallest,  are  termed  the  corner  incisors.  The  ante- 
rior surface  of  a  young  incisor  tooth  j^resents  a  triangular 
shape,  with  the  base  at  the  table.  As  it  wears  it  naiTOws 
laterally,  but  its  short  axis  widens,  until  in  old  age  it  is  nearly 
round.  The  incisor  teeth  have  a  single  fang,  which  is  cov- 
ered by  crusta  petrosa.  Towards  the  center  of  the  table,  in  a 
young  tooth,  a  second  ring  of  enamel  is  visible,  which  is  known 
as  the  cup,  or  infundibulurci.  The  cup  is  ovoid,  following  that 
of  the  table.  The  cup  wears  with  the  tooth,  becoming  smaller, 
and  ultimately  vanishing.  It  wears  away  about  one-third  in 
each  year.  The  incisor  milk  teeth  are  whiter  than  the  perma- 
nent ones,  and  have  distinct  necks,  the  necks  of  the  latter  being 
imaginary.  The  tushes,  or  canine  teeth,  are  four  in  number,  a 
pair  above  and  below.    They  are  found  in  the  interdental  space. 


STKtJCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE. 


113 


The  crown  is  somewhat  conical,  the  base  being  at  the  gums. 
They  have  no  constricted  neck,  and  the  fang  is  single.  In  the 
horse  tribe,  as  a  rule,  canine  teeth  are  developed  only  in  the 
male;  if  they  exist  in  the  female,  they  are  rudimentary.  The 
molars,  or  grinders,  are  twelve  in  the  temporary  set,  three  in 
each  side  of  each  jaw;  twenty-four  in  the  permanent  set,  six  on 
each  side,  above  and  below;  they  are  numbered  from  front  back- 
wards, and,  like  the  incisors,  those  of  the  upper  jaw  are  the 
larger.  The  horse  may  have  supplementary  molars,  or  Avolf 
teeth;  these  are  small  and  placed  one  on  each  side  of  the  jaw, 
anterior  to  the  first  molars;  they  are  usually  shed  with  the  milk 
teeth. 

INDICATIONS  OF  AGE. 

The  horse's  age  may  be  determined  with  considerable  exact- 
ness by  studying  the  peculiarities  which  characterize  the  teeth 


Fig.  7— Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  One  Year 
Old  Colt  Showing  the  Restricted  Necks  of 
Milk  Teeth. 

1,  1.  Central  incisors  in  wear.  Z,  2.  Lat- 
eral incisors  in  wear.  S,  S.  Corner  in- 
cisors in  wear.  At  one  yrnr  all  the  in- 
cisors are  up  and  in  wear. 


Fig.  S — Upper  Incisors  of  a  Two  Year  and 
Six  Months  Old  Colt. 

1,  J.  Showing  the  two  central  milk  teeth 
shed  a7id  the  two  permanent  ones  coining 
in  their  place.  2,  2,  Milk  teeth.  S,S. 
Milk  teeth  corner. 


at  different  periods  of  life.  •  At  or  soon  after  birth  the  foal  has 
four  incisors  and  twelve  molars.  The  a])pearance  of  the  incisoi*3 
at  birth  depends  upon  the  length  of  time  the  foal  is  carried;  it 
may  be  carried  over  the  time  or  be  born  before  the  time  of  their 
appearance.  At  an  age  varying  from  six  to  nine  weeks,  the  mid- 
8 


114 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 


die  or  lateral  incisors  appear;  the  corner  incisors  are  up  at  the 
tenth  month.  When  the  colt  is  one  year  old  all  the  incisors  are 
in  wear,  and  he  now  has  twelve  in  number.  He  also  has  twelve 
temporary  and  four  permanent  molars;  hence  the  colt  at  one 


Fig.  9 — Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Three 
Year  Old  Colt. 
1, 1.  Central  permanent  incisors  nearly  full 
grown.    2,  2.  Milk  teeth  with  their  re- 
stricted necks.     S,  3.  Corner  milk  teeth 
showing  well  marked  cups. 


Fig.  10— Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Three 
Year  and  Six  Months  Old  Coll. 

1,  1.  Two  permanent  incisors.  S,  2.  Shed- 
ding the  lateral  incisors,  and  showing 
the  two  permanent  laterals  making  their 
appearance.    3,  3.  Corner  milk  teeth. 


Fig.  11— Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Four 

Year  Old  Colt. 

1, 1.  Permanent  central  incisors. 

2,  2.  Permanent  lateral  incisors. 

3,  3.  Milk  teeth. 


Fig.  12 — Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Four 
Year  and  Six  Months  Old  Colt. 

3,  3.  Shedding  of  the  corner  milk  teeth 
and  the  permanent  ones  taking  their 
place.  2, 2.  Permanent  lateral  incisors. 
1, 1.  Permanent  central  incisors. 


year  old  has  twelve  temporary  incisors,  or  front  teeth,  and 
twelve  temporary  "molars  or  grinders,  and  four  permanent 
molars.  Between  the  ages  of  one  and  two  years  the  second  per- 
manent molar  makes  its  appearance.     It  is  the  fifth  in  the  jaw, 


STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE. 


115 


and  is  up  and  in  wear  at  two  years.  With  variation  of  wear,  the 
incisors  remain  the  same  during  the  second  year.  At  two  years, 
the  colt  has  twelve  temporary  incisors,  twelve  temporary  molars, 
and  eight  permanent  molars.  x\bout  the  middle  of  the  third 
year  the  nippers,  or  central  temporary  incisors,  fall  out,  and  are 
replaced  by  permanent  incisors,  which  are  up  and  in  wear  at 
three  years  of  age.  About  the  time  of  shedding  the  temporary 
incisors,  two  more  permanent  molars  make  their  appearance,  the 


Fig.  13 — Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Five 
Year  Old  Horse. 

1,  1.  Central  incisors  with  cup  unoblit- 
erated.  2,  2.  Lateral  incisors  with  cups 
deeper  and  larger.  3,3.  Corner  incisors, 
still  larger  cups,  with  their  edges  very 
slightly  xt^orn.  4,  4.  Canine  teeth  well 
developed. 


Fig.  li — Lower  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Five 
Year  Old  Horse. 

1, 1.  Central  incisors. 

Z,  2.  Lateral  incisors. 

3,  3.  Corner  incisors. 

i,i.  Canine  teeth.  The  cups  are  some- 
what obliterated  in  the  teeth  of  the 
lower  jaw  at  five  as  shown. 


first  and  second  in  the  jaw.  Hence  at  three  years  the  colt  has 
eight  temporary  incisors,  four  permanent  incisors,  four  tempo- 
rary molars,  and  sixteen  permanent  molars. 

At  the  age  of  three  years  and  six  months  the  temporary  late- 
ral incisors  are  replaced  by  permanent  ones.  They  are  up  and 
in  wear  when  the  colt  reaches  the  age  of  four  years.  The  fifth 
permanent  molar  now  makes  its  appearance,  being  the  third  in 
the  jaw.  A  little  later  the  sixth  makes  its  appearance;  it  is  also 
the  sixth  in  the  jaw.    All  the  molars  are  up  and  in  wear  at  four 


116 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


years.  At  four  years  of  age  the  horse  has  four  temporary  in- 
cisors, eight  permanent  incisors,  no  temporary  molars,  and 
twenty-four  permanent  ones.  The  permanent  corner  incisors 
appear  between  ages  of  four  and  five  years.  At  five  years  they 
are  up  and  in  wear.  At  the  age  of  five  the  canine  teeth  appear 
in  the  male.  Hence  at  five  years  of  age  the  horse  has  a  full 
mouth,  possessing  twelve  molars,  four  canine  teeth,  and  twenty- 
four  molars.     At  the  age  of  six  years  the  infundibula,  or  cups, 


Fig.  15 — Lower  Incisors  of  a  Six  Year  Old 
Horse. 

1,  1.  Central  nippers  with  cups  entirely 
worn  out.  2,  2.  Cups  disappearing  in 
lateral  incisors.  S,  3.  Cups  still  showing 
plainly  with  their  edges  considerably 
worn,  i,  i.  The  canine  teeth  standing 
up  three-quarters  of  an  inch  with  their 
points  only  slightly  blunted. 


Fig.  16— Lower  I^icisors  of  a  Seven  Year 
Old  Horse. 

1, 1.  Central  nippers  with  cups  obliter- 
ated. 2,  2.  Cups  entirely  worn  away 
in  lateral  incisors.  3,  3.  Cups  still 
showing  in  corner  incisors.  J,,  4.  ^'ot 
much  change  in  canine  teeth. 


are  worn  out  of  the  central  incisors,  two-thirds  worn  out  of  the 
lateral,  and  one-third  worn  out  of  the  corner  incisors.  At  seven, 
cups  leave  the  central  incisors;  at  eight,  cups  leave  the  lateral 
incisors;  at  nine,  cups  leave  the  corner  incisors.  At  this  age 
the  table  surface  of  the  lower  row  of  incisors  is  perfectly  smooth. 
We  now  notice  a  little  hooklike  projection  on  each  of  the  upper 
corner  incisors.  When  this  hook  is  on  the  corner  incisors  we 
can  mark  it  down  that  the  horse  is  at  least  seven  or  eight  years 
old.  As  a  rule,  the  animal  reaches  the  age  of  nine  or  ten  before 
the  cups  leave  the  central  incisors.     At  ten  the  cups  leave  the 


STEUCTUBE  OF  THE  HORSE. 


117 


upper  lateral  incisors,  and  at  this  time  a  groove  will  be  noticed 
in  the  upper  corner  tooth.  The  groove  extends  half  down  down 
the  tooth  at  fifteen  years  of  age,  and  reaches  the  bottom  of  the 
tooth  at  twenty-one.  At  twelve  years  of  age  the  table  surface 
of  the  upper  row  of  incisors  is  found  to  be  worn  smooth.  The 
dental  star  makes  its  appearance  when  the  animal  is  eleven 
years  of  age.  This  is  a  little  spot,  located  on  the  table  of  the 
tooth,  differing  from  the  rest  of  the  dentine.  The  temporary 
teeth  may  be  readily  recognized  bv  their  small  size,  their  well- 


Fig.  17 — Lower  Incisors  of  an  Eight  Year 
Old  Horse. 
1, 1.  Cups  obliterated. 

2,  2.  Cups  obliterated. 

3,  3.  Cups  gone . 

i,  4.  Cups  worn  considerably. 


Fig.  is—l'pper  Incisors  of  an  Eight  Year 
Old  Horse. 

1,  1.  Central  nearly  smooth.  2,  2.  Next 
pair  showing  a  remnant  of  the  cup,  3, 3. 
Corner  incisors  showing  cup  plain 
enough.  4,  4.  Canine  teeth  worn  down 
more  than  in  the  lower  jaw  of  the  fix 
year  old  mouth. 


marked  neck,  and  extreme  whiteness.  The  permanent  teeth 
are  darker  in  color,  have  no  well-marked  neck,  and  are  larger. 
The  permanent  incisors  of  the  lower  jaw  show  a  well-marked 
groove  on  the  anterior  surface  of  each  tooth  that  is  absent  in  the 
permanent  teeth.  The  permanent  incisors  of  the  upper  jaw 
each  show  two  of  these  grooves.  The  young  tooth  is  broadest 
from  side  to  side,  the  tooth  of  old  age  being  broadest  from  the 
front  backwards,  and  gradually  growing  narrower  from  side  to 
side.  After  the  animal  has  reached  ten  years,  it  becomes  some- 
what difficult  to  ascertain  his  age  correctly,  but  by  practice  one 


118 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


may  become  quite  proficient.  It  requires  a  great  deal  of  prac- 
tice, and  to  succeed  in  it  hundreds  of  mouths  should  be  carefully 
examined  and  the  kind  of  food  carefully  noted.  The  teeth  of 
horses  of  the  same  age  vary  considerably  in  shape,  size,  etc.  We 
have  met  with  several  that  at  the  age  of  twelve  or  fifteen  had 
the  marks  of  only  eight  or  nine,  and  quite  a  number  whose  cor- 
ner teeth  never  had  any  hook.  Where  horses  graze  in  sandy 
districts,  the  hooks  on  the  corner  teeth  are  well  ground  off. 

The  appearance  of  the  teeth  will  be  considerably  modified  by 
the  kind  of  food,  the  soil  and  climate,  and  like  circum ■stances. 


Fig.  19 — Showing  hook  in  upper 
corner  incisor  which  makes 
its  appearance  at  eight  years 
of  age.  It  may  be  observed 
coming  in  at  seven. 


Fig.  20 —  Upper  Incisors  of  a  Nine   Year 

Old  Horse. 
1,  1.   Central  incisors  with  cups  entirely 

worn  away.    2, 2.  Laterals  disappearing. 

,?,  S.  Corner  still  larger. 


Where  horses  graze  in  sandy  districts,  the  marks  of  age  are 
brought  on  prematurely;  an  eight-year-old  may  be  easily  mis- 
taken for  one  of  twelve  years.  Some  stabled  horses  chew  the 
brick  walls  of  their  stables  and  w^ear  the  teeth  abnormally.  Some 
are  fed  on  hard  canes  growing  in  river  and  creek  bottoms,  which 
break  their  nippers.  The  crib-biter  breaks  his  teeth  off  in  such 
a  manner  that  no  reliable  marks  of  age  remain.  In  order  to 
become  proficient  in  the  study  of  the  horse's  age,  it  is  necessary, 
therefore,  to  examine,  we  might  say,  thousands  of  cases.  There 
are  some  peculiarities  in  the  teeth  of  certain  breeds  of  horses. 
The  teeth  of  the  pony  are  different  in  several  respects  from  the 


i 


STEUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE. 


119 


large  breeds.     Tall,  Lonj  animals  have  older-looking  teetli  than 
small  animals. 

The  examiner  should  in  every  case  be  careful  t.o  note  the 
presence  or  absence  of  the  ring  of  enamel  that  surrounds  each 


Fig.  21— Upper  Incisor  Teeth  of  a  Ten  Year  Old. 
1, 1.  Cups  have  left  central. 
S,  2.  Cujys  have  left  lateral. 
3,  3.  Cups  still  remaining  in  corner  incisors. 


Fig.  22 — Incisor  tooth  of  a  horse 
showing  dental  star  which 
makes  its  appearance  when  the 
animal  is  about  eleven  years 
old. 


Fig.  23 — Upper  Incisors  of  a  Twelve  Year 
Old  Showing  the  Upper  Row  of  Teeth  All 
Smooth. 


Fig.  21, — Lower   Incisors   of  a   Fifteen 
Year  Old. 


infundibula,  as  dishonest  dealers  often  make  artificial  marks  to 
deceive  the  purchaser.  It  is  said  that  this  swindling  operation 
is  of  English  origin.  It  is  called  Bisho])ing,  from  the  name  of 
the  man  who  invented  it.  The  horse  of  eight  or  nine  years 
is  thrown,  and  with  an  engraver's  tooth  a  hole  is  dug  out  in  the 


120 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


now  almost  plain  surface  of  the  corner  teeth,  so  as  to  present  the 
appearance  of  the  infimdibulum  of  a  seven-year-old  horse.  The 
hole  is  then  burnt  with  a  heated  iron,  and  a  permanent  black 
stain  is  left.  The  next  pair  of  nippers  is  sometimes  slightly 
touched.  If  the  ring  of  enamel  is  not  present  we  may  rest 
assured  that  the  depression  is  an  artificial  one,  since,  however 
expert  or  clever  he  may  be,  a  man  cannot  possibly  place  or  pro- 
duce a  ring  of  enamel  around  a  false  infundibulum. 

After  the  horse  is  nine  years  old,  we  can  only  guess  at  his  age, 
or  approach  within  a  few  years  of  it,  by  the  changes  which  the 
teeth  undergo  as  they  advance  in  age. 
It  would  be  folly  to  claim  perfect  accu- 
racy at  this  advanced  age.  At  eight  the 
upper  surface  of  the  nippers  is  oval,  the 
length  of  the  oval  running  across  from 
tooth  to  tooth,  but  as  the  horse  gets  older 
the  teeth  diminish  in  size,  the  diminution 
commencing  in  their  width,  and  not  in 
their  thickness.  They  become  a  little 
separated,  and  their  surface  are  rounded. 
At  nine  the  center  nippers  are  evidently 
so;  at  ten  the  others  begin  to  shorten  the 
oval ;  at  eleven  the  second  i3air  of  nippers  are  round,  and  at 
thirteen  the  corner  ones  are  round.  At  fourteen  the  faces 
of  the  central  nippers  become  somewhat  triangular.  At  seven- 
teen they  are  all  so ;  at  nineteen  the  angle  begins  to  wear 
off  and  tlie  central  teeth  are  again  oval,  but  in  reversed 
direction — viz.,  from  out  inward,  and  at  twenty-one  they 
all  wear  this  form.  At  about  twelve  years  the  teeth  are  of 
a  yellow  color,  and,  therefore,  destitute  of  enamel.  At  this 
age  the  lower  nippers  change  their  original  upright  direction, 
and  project  forward. 

There  are  also  general  indications  of  the  advance  of  old  age 
aside  from  those  offered  by  the  teeth,  such  as  deepening  of  the 
hollows  over  the  eye;  loss  of  its  brilliancy  and  wrinkles  under 


Fig.  2,5 — Lowi  r  Incisors  of  a 
Tu)cntij-Onc  Year  Old  Horse. 


STRUCTURE  OF  THE  HORSE.      '  121 

the  lid;  the  appearance  of  gi'ay  hairs  over  the  eyes  and  on  the 
forehead;  pendulous  lips,  with  a  wrinkled  appearance;  the  with- 
ers become  high  and  sharp;  the  chin,  or  lower  jaw,  begins  to  be 
I^ointed;  the  animal  becomes  more  or  less  sway-backed;  the  space 
between  the  thighs  increases,  and  there  is  a  general  appearance 
of  feebleness  and  decay. 

OESOPHAGUS. 

The  oesophagns,  or  gnllet,  is  a  mnsciilo-membranous  tube, 
lined  with  mucons  membrane,  the  same  in  general  character  as 
that  which  lines  the  different  parts  of  the  month.  It  extends 
from  the  pharynx,  which  is  simply  a  continuation  of  the  ex- 
treme back  part  of  the  month,  to  the  stomach.  Directly  behind 
the  root  of  the  tongue  is  the  opening  of  the  pharynx,  and  behind 
this  the  oesophagus. 

The  oesophagus  has  no  other  use  than  for  the  conveyance  of 
aliment  from  the  pharynx  to  the  stomach.  The  process  of  deglu- 
tition, or  swallowing  the  food,  is  performed  in  the  following 
manner:  The  masticated  food  gathers  as  a  bolus  at  the  root  of 
the  tongue,  which,  by  retracting,  forces  the  pellet  through  the 
isthmus  faucium  into  the  pharynx;  the  soft  palate  recedes  back- 
wards and  uj^wards;  the  food  is  forced  down  the  epiglottis,  clos- 
ing the  larynx;  finally  the  pharynx  grasps  the  bolus  and  passes 
it  downwards  into  the  oesophagus.  The  food  is  propelled  along 
the  oesophagus  by  the  peristaltic  action  of  its  muscular  walls. 
The  act  of  deglutition  is  involuntary  in  the  oesoiihagus,  the  food 
travelling  by  peristaltic  motion,  caused  by  the  successive  con- 
traction of  its  muscular  fibers. 

THE  STOMACH. 

The  stomach  of  the  horse  is  small  in  proportion  to  the  size  of 
the  animal.  Its  average  capacity  is  about  three  gallons,  while 
the  stomach  of  man,  whose  weight  is  hardly  one-eighth  of  that 
of  the  horse,  contains  frequently  three  quarts.  When  distended 
the  stomach  resembles  a  bent  tube,  with  two  lateral  dilatations, 
divided  by  a  central  constriction  into  a  left,  or  cardiac,  and  a 


122  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

right,  or  pyloric,  portion.  It  lias  an  opening  on  the  left,  lead- 
ing into  the  oesophagus,  through  which  the  food  enters,  and 
another  on  the  right,  which  communicates  with  the  first  portion 
of  the  intestine  called  the  duodenum.  The  walls  of  the  stomach 
are  composed  of  three  coats — an  external,  middle,  and  an  in- 
ternal coat.  The  external  coat  is  simplv  a  serous  membrane  and 
a  reflection  of  the  peritoneum.  The  middle  or  muscular  coat 
consists  of  three  sets  of  fibers — an  external  longitudinal,  a  mid- 
dle circular,  and  an  internal  oblique  layer.  The  action  of  the 
different  fibers  produces  a  churning  motion,  which  brings  each 
portion  of  the  food  in  contact  with  the  mucous  surface.  The 
internal  or  mucous  coat  is  different  on  the  right  and  left  portions 
of  the  stomach.  In  the  cardiac  portion  it  is  called  the  cuticular. 
It  is  continuous  with  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  CEsophagus, 
which  it  resembles  in  structure  and  appearance.  It  is  covered 
by  a  thick  layer  of  stratified  epithelium.  It  covers  about  one- 
third  of  the  internal  surface  of  the  stomach.  The  villous  or  true 
digestive  coat  is  reddish  in  color,  soft,  very  vascular,  and  vel- 
vety-looking. The  line  of  demarcation  between  the  two  por- 
tions is  abrupt  and  dentated.  The  colors  of  the  coverings  are 
very  dissimilar;  the  one  has  a  reddish  color,  while  the  other  is 
white.  The  villous  portion  has  shallow  depressions,  or  alveolar, 
into  which  the  gastric  follicles  open;  at  the  pyloric  end  some  of 
these  follicles  terminate  in  dilated  sacs,  or  divide  into  two  or 
more  tubes.  Some  of  them  secrete  gastric  juice;  others  mucous. 
The  use  of  the  stomach  is  to  macerate  the  food  by  the  action  of 
its  muscular  walls,  and  also  to  saturate  it  with  mucous  and  gas- 
tric juice,  the  latter  containing  a  principle  called  pepsine,  which 
acts  chemically  on  albuminous  matter.  The  food  during  diges- 
tion in  the  stomach  is  kept  in  motion  by  the  peristaltic  action  of 
its  walls.  By  the  contractions  of  its  muscular  fibers,  currents 
are  set  up  in  its  contents,  the  food  travelling  along  the  large 
curvature  and  returning  by  the  lesser,  while,  as  digestion  pro- 
ceeds, certain  portions  are  passed  through  the  pylorus  into  the 
duodenum. 


STEUCTITRE  OF  THE  HORSE.  123 

INTESTINES. 

The  intestines  are  divided  into  the  hirge  and  small;  the  two, 
however,  form  a  continnoii?;  miiscnlo-membranous  tube,  with 
many  widenings  and  convolutions;  their  length  in  an  average- 
sized  horse  being  about  ninety  feet.  The  coats  of  the  intestines 
are  similar  to  those  of  the  stomach.  The  muscular  coat  con- 
sists of  two  layers  of  fibers,  an  outer  longitudinal  and  an  inner 
circular  one.  In  certain  intestinal  diseases  of  the  horse  the  cir- 
cular fibers  contract  spasmodically,  producing  strictures.  The 
small  intestines  are  continuous  with  the  stomach  at  its  pyloric 
orifice.  They  are  about  seventy-two  feet  in  length.  When  fully 
expanded  they  hold  about  eleven  gallons.  The  divisions  of  the 
small  intestines  by  anatomists  have  received  the  names  of  the 
Duodenum,  Jejunum,  and  the  Ileum.  The  jejunum  succeeds 
the  duodenum,  and  includes  about  two-fifths  of  the  remainder  of 
the  small  intestines,  the  ileum  constituting  the  rest;  they  are 
attached  to  the  free  edge  of  the  mesentery. 

The  mucous  membranes  of  the  small  intestines  are  furnished 
with  glands  and  absorbents.  Besides  the  mucous  follicles,  there 
are  small  glands  resembling  the  acini  of  the  salivary  glands. 
They  are  found  in  the  duodenum,  and  are  known  as  the  glands 
of  Brunner.  Very  small  glands  are  found  throughout  the  in- 
testines, known  as  crypts  of  Lieberkuhn.  The  Beyer's  patches 
are  found  in  the  jejunum  and  ileum.  They  are  oval  or  circular 
groups  of  solitary  glands.  Other  isolitary  glands,  scattered 
throughout  the  intestines,  resemble  very  much  the  sacs  forming 
Peyer's  patches.  The  absorbents  originate  in  the  villi,  wdiich 
are  small  finger-like  vascular  processes,  thickly  distributed  over 
the  mucous  surface,  consisting  of  loops  of  the  lacteal  vessels, 
surrounded  by  a  network  of  capillaries,  fine  muscular  fibers,  and 
small,  granular  corpuscles. 

The  large  intestines  consist  of  the  csecum,  the  great  colon,  the 
floating  colon,  and  the  rectum.  The  capcum  is  much  larger  than 
the  small  intestines.     It  measures   about   thirty-six  inches  in 


124  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

length,  and  its  capacity  may  average  six  gallons.  It  is  some- 
what conical  in  shape,  curved  at  its  supero-posterior  extrendty, 
presenting  on  its  outer  surface  a  number  of  circular  constric- 
tions and  longitudinal  muscular  bands.  The  great  colon  is  very 
large,  measuring  on  an  average  from  nine  to  eleven  feet  in 
length,  and  sometimes  having  a  capacity  of  eighteen  gallons. 
It  has  numerous  transverse  furrows  and  longitudinal  muscular 
bands  externally,  and  internally  it  resembles  the  caecum.  The 
floating  colon  succeeds  the  great  colon,  and  is  convoluted.  Its 
length  is  about  ten  feet.  It  is  suspended  by  the  colic  mesen- 
tery. The  contents  of  the  colon,  made  up  of  the  coarser  parts 
of  the  food,  become  hard  and  solid,  being  deprived  of  nearly  all 
moisture  and  nutrition. 

The  rectum  or  straight  intestine  extends  in  a  direct  line  from 
the  entrance  of  the  pelvic  cavity  to  the  anus,  and  resembles  in 
structure  the  floating  colon,  but  its  walls  are  thicker.  Its  serous 
coat  is  a  reflection  of  the  ^^eritoneum;  the  muscular  coat  is  very 
strong,  consisting  of  longitudinal  bands,  with  circular  fibers 
beneath  them.  In  the  spaces  between  its  transverse  ridges  the 
faeces  assume  their  characteristic  shape. 

The  anus  is  the  posterior  opening  of  the  alimentary  canal. 
Lying  below  the  root  of  the  tail,  it  forms  a  round  projection, 
which  becomes  less  prominent  with  age.  It  consists  of  thin, 
hairless  skin  externally  and  of  mucous  membrane  internally, 
the  two  being  continuous. 

THE  LIVER. 

The  liver  is  a  solid  gland,  located  in  the  abdomen.  It  is  the 
largest  secreting  gland  in  the  body,  weighing  from  ten  to  twelve 
pounds.  The  coverings  of  the  liver  are  an  external  serous  and 
an  internal  fibrous  coat.  It  is  situated  in  close  proximity  to  the 
right  side  of  the  diaphragm,  and  is  divided  into  three  lobes.  Its 
normal  color  is  a  coal  brown,  but  it  varies  in  color  from  different 
diseases.  It  consists  of  very  minute  lobules,  varying  from  about 
1-17  tc  1-13  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  separated  from  each  other 


STKUCTUEE  OF  THE  HORSE.  125 

by  the  interlobular  tissue  continuous  with  Glisson's  capsule. 
The  principal  function  of  the  liver  is  to  secrete  bile.  The  blood 
of  the  portal  vein,  returned  chiefly  from  the  abdominal  alimen- 
tary canal,  is  charged  with  bile.  The  bile  is  removed  by  the 
vital  power  of  the  hepatic  cells,  while  the  blood  is  passing 
through  the  interlobular  capillaries.  The  blood,  thus  deprived 
of  bile,  passes  into  the  interlobular  veins,  and  so  into  the  sub- 
lobular  and  hepatic  veins,  Avhile  the  bile  gains  the  bile  tubes, 
and  ultimately  the  hepatic  duct,  to  be  poured  again  into  the 
intestine.  Most  animals  are  provided  with  a  gall  bladder,  in 
which  the  bile  accumulates  during  the  period  of  abstinence,  and 
passes  into  the  intestinal  canal  when  digestion  commences.  The 
horse  has  no  gall  bladder;  the  bile,  as  fast  as  it  is  formed,  flows 
directly  into  the  small  intestines,  entering  through  the  biliary 
duct  a  few  inches  below  the  pyloric  orifice.  Bile  is  an  alkaline, 
golden  yellow  fluid  of  a  bitter  taste  and  specific  gravity  1018, 
and  containing  about  11  per  cent  solid  matter.  It  is  used  in 
converting  starch  into  sugar,  assists  in  emulsifying  and  saponi- 
fying fats,  assists  in  the  absorption  of  fats,  increases  peristaltic 
action,  and  prevents  putrefactive  changes  in  the  intestines. 

THE  PANCREAS. 

The  pancreas  is  an  elongated,  lobulated  gland,  which  lies 
across  the  abdomen,  behind  the  stomach  and  in  front  of  the 
kidneys.  It  is  of  a  reddish,  cream  color.  It  belongs  to  the  class 
of  compound  racemose  glands,  and  closely  resembles  salivary 
glands.  Pancreatic  juice  is  a  clear,  viscid  alkaline  fiuid  resem- 
bling saliva,  but  of  greater  specific  gravity,  and  containing  from 
2  to  5  per  cent  of  solid  matter.  It  changes  proteids  into  pep- 
tones in  alkaline  or  neutral  solutions,  afterwards  decomposing 
them  into  leucine  and  tryosine.  It  converts  starch  into  dextrin 
and  sugar,  and  emulsifies  and  saponifies  fats. 


126  THE    STOCK    OWiNEK's    ADVISEE. 


SPLEEN. 


The  spleen  is  a  soft,  reddish-gray  organ,  situated  on  the  left 
side  of  the  great  curvature  of  the  stomach.  It  is  an  exceedingly 
vascular,  ductless  gland,  having  no  excretory  canal.  It  weighs 
from  two  to  four  pounds.  Physiologists  have  been  unable  to 
demonstrate  its  use. 

The  abdomen  and  part  of  the  pelvis  are  lined  by  peritoneum. 
The  internal  surface  is  smooth,  free,  moist,  and  covered  by  scaly 
epithelium;  it  secretes  a  serous  lubricating  fluid.  A  mesentery 
is  a  broad,  double  fold  of  peritoneum,  attached  to  the  abdominal 
parieties  above,  and  containing  a  portion  of  the  intestine  in  its 
free  or  remote  extremity. 

THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

These  are  chiefly  the  kidneys,  ureters,  bladder,  and  urethra. 
The  kidneys  are  two  compound  tubular  glands,  situated  on  the 
right  and  left  of  the  vertebral  column,  in  the  sublumbar  region 
of  the  abdomen,  or  under  the  loins.  In  the  horse  they  are  large; 
the  right  one  is  in  advance  of  the  left,  lying  just  behind  and 
beneath  the  last  pair  of  ribs.  They  somewhat  resemble  in  shape 
the  heart  on  playing  cards.  The  kidneys  are  made  up  chiefly 
of  the  tubes  of  the  gland  termed  the  uriniferous  tubes,  with 
blood  vessels  and  nerves  and  connective  tissue.  The  function  of 
the  kidneys  is  to  secrete  the  urine,  a  fluid  consisting  of  water 
holding  in  solution  a  varying  quantity  of  earthy  salts  and  a 
peculiar  nitrogenous  substance,  urea,  which,  if  not  eliminated, 
acts  as  a  blood  poison.  The  urine  is  secreted  by  the  kidneys  and 
carried  off  by  their  ducts,  the  ureters,  to  a  special  reservoir,  the 
bladder,  where  it  accumulates,  and  from  which  it  is  finally  ex- 
pelled at  intervals  through  the  urethra. 

The  bladder  is  situated  within  the  pelvic  cavity,  and  when 
full  projecting  into  the  abdomen.  It  serves  as  the  i-eservoir  for 
the  urine,  storing  it,  and  at  intervals,  by  contraction  of  its  walls, 
forcing  it  into  the  urethra  or  excretory  tube.     It  is  a  musculo- 


STBtJCTTJKE   OF  THE  SORSE.  12Y 

membranous  organ.  It  consists  of  three  coats — a  mucous,  mus- 
cular, and  a  serous  coat.  Tlie  serous  coat  only  partly  invests  it, 
covering  the  upper  half  or  more  of  the  posterior  wall,  and  being 
reflected  from  the  sides  and  apex  to  the  surrounding  parts.  The 
muscular  coat  consists  of  two  layers  of  smooth,  muscular  fibers, 
an  external  longitudinal  one  and  an  inner  circular  layer,  thinly 
scattered  over  the  body,  but  denser  at  the  neck,  forming  the 
sphincter  vesicae.  The  mucous  coat  is  pink  and  smooth;  it  is 
thrown  into  wrinkles,  except  at  the  trigone,  where  it  is  adherent 
to  the  muscular  layer  beneath. 

The  ureters  are  two  membranous  canals,  which  convey  the 
urine  from  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder.  They  have  an  external 
fibro-cellular,  a  middle  muscular,  and  an  internal  mucous  coat 
lined  with  epithelium,  similar  to  that  of  the  bladder. 

NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  ner^^ous  system  embraces  those  organs  which  receive  and 
interpret  impressions,  stimulating  and  regulating  the  vital  func- 
tions. The  system  is  divided  into  the  cerebro-spinal  and  the 
sympathetic.  The  former  includes  the  brain,  spinal  cord,  cer- 
tain ganglia,  motor,  and  sensory  nerves.  The  motor  nerves  are 
supplied  to  the  voluntary  muscles;  the  sensory  are  distributed 
to  the  organs  of  sense,  skin,  and  other  parts  endowed  with  sen- 
sibility. The  sympathetic  consists  of  a  series  of  ganglia  and 
nerves,  which  supply  the  involuntary  muscular  fibers  of  the 
uterus,  stomach,  intestines,  ducts,  and  blood  vessels. 

The  two  systems  are  so  intimately  connected  with  each  other 
that  they  can  hardly  be  considered  as  distinct.  The  sympa- 
thetic system  may  be  regarded  as  that  portion  which  supplies 
the  internal  organs  and  blood  vessels,  having  its  own  central  and 
peripheral  organs,  like  that  of  the  cerebro-spinal.  The  two  sys- 
tems have  free  inter-communication,  ganglia  being  placed  at  the 
junctions. 

The  nerve  consists  of  bundles  of  nen^e  fibers  bound  together 
by  a  common  tissue  sheath.     This  sheath  surrounds  the  whole 


STEtrCTtJKE  OF  THE  HORSE.  129 

nerve  and  binds  its  bundles  together.  It  contains  blood  vessels, 
lymphatics,  connective  tissue,  cells,  and  adipose  tissue.  Nerves 
which  convey  impressions  to  the  centers  are  termed  centripetal 
or  afferent;  those  which  transmit  stimuli  from  the  centers  to  the 
various  organs  are  termed  centrifugal  or  efferent,  while  those 
which  pass  from  one  center  to  another  are  called  inter-central. 
Centrifugal  are  called  motor,  supplying  muscles;  vasomotor, 
supplying  the  muscular  fibers  of  the  blood  vessels;  secretory, 
supplying  glandular  epithelium;  inhibitory,  modifying  the  ac- 
tions of  the  nerve  centers;  trophic,  regulating  the  nutrition  of 
a  part. 

Centripetal  nerves,  which  convey  common  sensation,  pain, 
touch,  etc.,  are  termed  sensory.  When  they  convey  impressions 
peculiar  to  an  organ,  as  the  nerves  of  sight  and  hearing,  they 
are  known  as  nerves  of  special  sense.  Nerves  conveying  im- 
pressions which  lead  to  the  stimulation  of  motor  nerves  are 
termed  excito-motor;  if  to  that  of  secretory  nerves,  excito- 
secretory;  and  if  to  that  of  inhibitory  nerves  excito-inhibitory. 
This  reflection  of  nervous  impulse  from  one  nerve  to  another  is 
known  as  reflex  action.  There  are  many  things  difficult  and 
sometimes  inexplicable  about  the  nervous  system  and  its  opera- 
tions. 

The  cerebro-spinal  system  has  for  its  center  the  cerebro- 
spinal axis,  consisting  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord,  which,  like 
their  coverings  or  meninges,  are  continuous  with  each  other. 
The  brain  of  the  horse  corresponds  to  the  cavity  in  which  it  is 
placed.  It  is  a  flattened  oval,  divided  into  two  parts,  one  much 
larger  than  the  other — the  cerebrum,  or  larger  portion,  and  the 
cerebellum,  or  smaller  portion.  In  the  horse  the  cerebrum  is 
below  the  cerebellum,  and  occupies  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
cranial  cavity.  It  is  ovoid  in  shape,  with  an  irregular  flattened 
base,  and  consists  of  lateral  halves  or  hemispheres,  separated  by 
a  longitudinal  fissure.  The  cerebellum  or  lesser  brain  is  lodged 
in  the  posterior  part  of  the  cranial  cavity,  immediately  above  the 
9 


130  *    THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

medulla  oblongata,  which  is  the  prolongation  of  the  spinal  cord. 
It  is  globular  in  shape,  its  transverse  diameter  being  the. greater. 

The  membranes  of  the  brain  are  the  Dura  Mater,  Arachnoid, 
and  the  Pia  Mater.  The  dura  mater  is  the  thick,  white  fibrous 
membrane  which  lines  the  cavity  of  the  cranium,  acting  as  the 
internal  periosteum  of  the  bones.  The  middle  one,  called  the 
arachnoid,  is  a  serous  membrane  of  the  ordinary  character.  The 
pia  mater  is  closely  adherent  to  the  entire  surface  of  the  brain, 
dipping  into  every  fissure  or  depression,  into  the  sulci  between 
the  convolutions,  and  passing  into  the  interior  in  several  places. 

The  human  brain  exceeds,  in  comparative  bulk,  that  of  the 
dog,  the  horse,  or  the  ox.  Thus  are  they  classed  in  the  order  of 
intelligence.  The  human  brain  weighs,  on  an  average,  50  ounces. 
The  average  weight  of  the  horse's  brain  is  23  ounces.  From  the 
medullary  substance  proceed  nerves  by  which  the  animal  is 
enabled  to  receive  impressions  from  surrounding  objects,  and 
also  to  experience  many  pleasurable  or  painful  sensations.  One 
of  them  goes  to  the  nose,  and  gives  the  special  sensation  of 
smell;  another  to  the  eye,  and  sight  is  produced;  another  to  the 
ear,  and  the  animal  is  conscious  of  sound;  another  to  the  tongue, 
and  the  taste  is  produced.  Other  nerves,  proceeding  to  different 
parts,  stimulate  the  faculty  of  motion;  others  stimulate  the  sense 
of  feeling.  Xerves  which  have  their  centers  in  the  medulla 
supply  the  respiratory  organs,  and  the  horse  breathes.  The 
vasomotor  center  is  the  center  of  the  sympathetic  system  sup- 
plied to  the  muscular  fiber  of  the  blood  vessels.  They  go  to  the 
stomach,  and  it  digests;  to  the  heart,  and  it  beats;  to  the  oeso- 
phagus and  pharynx,  and  deglutition  is  performed;  to  the  vocal 
chords,  and  voice  is  produced;  to  the  mouth,  and  mastication  is 
performed;  to  the  salivary  glands,  and  saliva  is  secreted.  All 
of  these  have  their  centers  in  the  medulla. 

The  muscles  of  the  body  are  kept  in  a  constant  state  of  con- 
traction or  relaxation  by  nerve  centers  in  the  spinal  cord.  The 
centers  for  micturation  and  defsrcation  appear  to  exist  in  the 
lumbar  region  of  the  spinal  cord.     The  centers  that  govern  the 


STRUCTURE    OF   THE    HORSE.  131 

movements  of  the  iitenis  and  erectile  tissue  are  situated  in  the 
lumbar  region  of  the  cord.  All  along  the  spinal  cord,  from  its 
origin  to  the  tail,  other  nerves  are  given  off  at  certain  intervals. 
The  spinal  cord  is  composed  of  six  distinct  rods  running  through 
its  whole  length,  three  on  each  side,  and  the  fibers  of  the  two 
columns  proceed  to  their  destinations,  enveloped  in  the  same 
sheath  and  apparently  as  one  nerve.  They  are  united,  yet  dis- 
tinct, apparently  constituting  one  nerve,  yet  neither  their  sub- 
stance nor  their  office  is  confounded.  The  cerebrum  seems  to 
be  the  seat  of  intelligence  and  will;  the  cerebellum  seems  to 
combine  and  balance  the  several  muscular  actions  of  the  body; 
the  medulla  oblongata  superintends  respiration,  mastication,  and 
deglutition.  Besides  these  are  the  ganglia,  which  are  intended 
to  subserve  what  are  called  the  reflex  actions  of  the  organs  of 
locomotion,  etc.,  occupying  the  whole  length  of  the  spinal  cord, 
one  on  each  side.  There  are  also  the  sympathetic  systems  of 
ganglia,  which  especially  control  the  vital  organs  of  circulation, 
digestion,  and  excretion. 

THE  MALE  REPRODUCTIVE  ORGANS. 

These  consist  of  two  testicles  or  seminal  glands,  with  their 
excretory  tubes,  a  musculo-glandular  organ,  the  prostate,  which 
provides  a  material  for.  the  dilution  of  the  semen,  and  by  its 
sphincteric  contraction  aids  in  the  ejaculation  of  the  spermatic 
fluid,  at  the  same  time  intercepting  its  retrograde  passage  into 
the  bladder;  an  organ  of  copulation,  the  penis,  and  a  canal,  the 
urethra,  which  pierces  the  prostate  and  penis,  and  serves  as  the 
transit  for  both  the  generative  and  urinary  secretions.  The 
testicles  are  two  in  numl)er,  and  lie  in  a  common  pouch  of  in- 
tegument, called  the  scrotum.  In  fetal  life  they  are  at  first 
situated  in  the  abdominal  cavity  behind  the  kidneys.  At  a  cer- 
tain period  they  descend  through  the  vaginal  canal  into  the 
scrotum.  They  are  glandular  organs  which  secrete  the  semen. 
Lying  upon  the  posterior  border  of  each  testicle  is_  a  narrow- 
flattened  body,  termed  the  epididymis.     The  testicles  are  sus- 


132  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

pended  by  tlie  sijermatic  cord.  The  left  is  supposed  to  liang 
somewhat  lower  than  the  right  in  most  cases.  The  vas  deferens, 
the  continuation  of  the  tube  of  the  epididymis,  is  the  excretory 
duct  of  the  testicle.  It  ascends  along  the  inner  side  of  the 
testicle  and  epididymis,  through  tlie  spermatic  canal  to  the  in- 
ternal abdominal  ring.  The  spermatic  cord  is  composed  of  arte- 
ries, veins,  lymphatics,  and  the  vas  deferens.  It  extends  from 
the  internal  inguinal  ring,  where  its  component  structures  are 
collected  together  through  the  inguinal  canal,  and  in  the  scro- 
tum as  far  as  the  summit  of  the  testicles.  The  vesiculse  semi- 
nales  are  two  reservoirs  situated  between  the  bladder  and  rectum. 
They  receive  the  semen  from  the  vas  deferens  and  secrete  a  fluid 
which  is  mixed  with  that  of  the  testicles.  In  these  reservoirs 
the  sperm  accumulates,  and  is  expelled  by  the  contractile  walls 
of  the  vesiculse,  during  the  act  of  copulation,  through  the  ejacu- 
latory  ducts  into  the  urethra.  The  ejaculatorv  ducts,  one  on  each 
side,  are  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  duct  of  the  vesiculae  semi- 
nales  with  the  vas  deferens.  The  urethra  is  a  tube  which  extends 
from  the  neck  of  the  bladder  to  the  glans  penis.  It  consists  of 
two  layers,  a  mucous  and  an  external  fibrous.  It  is  divided  into 
prostatic,  membranous,  and  spongy  portions. 

The  penis  is  the  organ  of  copulation,  and  is  divided  by  anato- 
mists into  a  root,  body,  and  extremity  or  glans  penis.  The  root 
is  attached  to  the  j^nbis  by  two  fibrous  processes.  The  substance 
of  the  penis  is  formed  of  what  is  called  erectile  tissue,  a  tissue 
which,  under  certain  circumstances,  becomes  enonnously  dis- 
tended with  blood.  The  erectile  structures  are  two  in  number, 
the  corpus  cavernosum  and  the  corpus  spongiosum.  The  corpus 
cavernosum,  nuicli  the  larger  of  the  structures,  forms  the  supe- 
rior and  lateral  portions  of  the  penis.  The  corpus  spongiosum 
encloses  the  urethra,  is  situated  in  the  inferior  groove  of  the 
corpora  cavernosa,  and  is  surrounded  by  the  accelerator  muscles. 
The  glans  penis  forms  the  terminal  extremity  of  the  penis,  and 
is  an  enlargement  of  the  corpus  s]iongIosum.  At  its  apex  is  a 
deep  fossa,  in  the  center  of  which  lies  the  meatus  urinarius. 


STKDCTUKE    OF    THE    HOKSE.  133 

bounded  by  two  prominent  lips.  The  slieath  is  a  loose  process 
of  integument  which  invests  the  free  portion  of  the  penis.  It 
forms  a  corrugated  sack,  extending  from  the  scrotum,  with  which 
it  is  continuous,  to  a  varying  distance  forward.  Anteriorly,  a 
loose  double  fold  of  the  sheath  projects,  covering  the  anterior 
extremity  of  the  penis  completely.  This  is  known  as  the  pre- 
puce, or  foreskin. 

THE  FEMALE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION". 

The  female  genitals  may  be  divided  into  an  external  part,  the 
vulva,  a  vaginal  passage,  the  cavity  of  which  appears  as  a  fissure 
in  its  ordinary  condition,  but  is  capable  of  very  great  dilatation; 
an  internal  apparatus  comprising  the  organs  of  ovulation  (ova- 
ries) with  their  ducts,  and  a  musculo-mucous  sack  (uterus),  in 
which  the  ovum  undergoes  development,  and  by  which  the  fetus 
is  ultimately  expelled.  The  ovaries,  being  analogous  to  the 
testicles  in  the  male,  are  the  ultimate  organs  of  generation  in 
the  female.  They  are  similar  in  shape,  but  smaller  than  the 
testicles,  and  are  situated  in  the  sublumbar  region  of  the  abdo- 
men, being  suspended  from  its  roof  a  little  behind  the  kidneys. 
They  are  attached  anteriorly  to  the  broad  ligament  of  the  uterus 
behind  and  below  to  the  fallopian  tube.  Beneath  the  coat  of  the 
ovaries  lies  the  graffian  vesicles,  or  ovisac.  Each  sac  contains  a 
fluid  secreted  by  cells,  and  this  fluid  increases  in  quantity  as  the 
vesicle  develops.  Ultimately  the  wall  of  the  ovary  and  the 
graffian  follicles  give  way,  the  ovum  escapes  into  the  fallopian 
tube,  and  is  conveyed  by  it  into  the  womb.  The  fallopian  tubes 
are  two  canals,  which  convey  the  ova  from  the  ovaries  to  the 
uterus. 

The  uterus,  or  womb,  is  a  musculo-membranous  sac  situated 
in  the  sublumbar  region  and  pelvic  cavity;  it  consist  of  a  body 
and  two  cornua.  It  is  properly  the  organ  of  gestation.  Its 
office  is  to  retain  and  support  the  fecundated  ovum  during  the 
development  of  fetal  life.  It  consists  of  three  coats — a  serous, 
muscular,  and  mucous.    Projecting  posteriorly  is  the  neck  of  the 


134  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

womb,  which  is  thick,  round,  and  projecting  in  the  virgin.  In 
the  center  is  a  transverse  aperture  or  fissure  opening  into  the 
vagina  and  closed  during  utero-gestation.  The  vagina  is  a  mem- 
branous canal  in  the  center  of  the  pelvis,  extending  from  the 
uterus  to  the  vulva  and  situated  between  the  rectum  and  bladder. 
It  consists  of  two  membranes,  an  inner  mucous  and  an  outer 
muscular.  Constricted  at  its  origin,  the  vagina  widens  at  its 
inner  portion  and  surrounds  the  neck  of  the  uterus.  The  vagina 
is  the  chief  female  organ  of  coition. 

The  vulva  is  the  external  orifice  of  the  urino-genital  system, 
and  is  situated  in  the  perineal  region  innnediatelj  below  the 
anus.  It  presents  two  lips  and  two  commissures.  In  the  interior 
of  the  vulva  and  in  a  depression  on  its  floor  lies  the  clitoris, 
which  originates  by  two  crura  from  the  ischial  arch,  and  is  at- 
tached to  the  symphysis  by  a  suspensory  ligament.  The  clitoris 
is  similar  in  its  structure  to  the  penis  of  the  male,  and  is  the 
principal  organ  of  sexual  pleasure  in  the  female;  having  erectile 
tissue  and  cavernous  vessels,  it  becomes  erect  during  copulation. 
The  external  orifice  of  the  urethra,  the  meatus  urinaris,  opens  on 
the  inferior  surface  of  the  vulva,  about  four  inches  from  its 
opening.  It  is  larger  than  the  male  opening  and  surmounted  by 
a  fold  of  mucous  membrane,  which  acts  as  a  valve. 

The  hymen  is  a  thin  semilunar  fold  of  mucous  membrane 
which  separates  the  vulva  from  the  vagina,  lying  immediately 
before  the  meatus.  It  is  ruptured  during  the  first  act  of  copu- 
lation. 

The  mammary  glands  are  compound  racemose  glands,  which 
secrete  milk  for  the  nourishment  of  the  recently  born  animal. 
They  become  developed  at  the  age  of  puberty.  The  intei'ior  of 
the  mamma  is  composed  of  lobes  divided  into  still  smaller  lobules 
composed  of  minute  ducts  and  numerous  small  cells,  in  which 
the  milk  is  secreted  and  conveyed  to  the  ducts,  which  unite  to 
form  a  common  excretory  duct  of  each.  From  these  ducts  pro- 
ceed the  canals  that  convey  the  milk  to  the  teat. 


vn. 

REMEDIAL  MEASURES  AND  REMEDIAL  METHODS 
OTHER  THAN  DRUGS. 

MASSAGE. 

The  word  massage  is  used  as  the  generic  name  for  external 
manijDnlations  em2)]oyed  for  the  purpose  of  affecting  the  nerves, 
muscular  system,  and  general  circulation.  It  has  been  practiced 
on  animals  and  man  from  time  immemorial,  and  is  of  great  value 
in  the  lower  animals.  The  rubbing  and  grooming  of  the  race 
horse  after  the  contest  is  a  form  of  massage  which  is  paralleled 
by  the  rubbings  and  manipulations  employed  by  the  early 
Greeks  and  Romans  after  the  struggle  in  the  arena.  Massage 
has  grown  out  of  the  practice  of  simply  rubbing  the  skin.  It 
has  reached  a  high  degree  as  a  remedial  measure  in  human 
patients,  and  requires  considerable  training  and  aptness  for  prac- 
ticing the  art.  Its  good  results  are  best  achieved  in  the  horse. 
In  practicing  massage  upon  the  horse,  it  is  not  necessary  that 
the  operator  be  a  highly  educated  jierson.  It  is  essential,  how- 
ever, that  the  masseur  have  sufficient  knowledge  of  anatomy  to 
understand  the  general  drift  of  the  circulation,  the  position  and 
shape  of  the  muscles,  and  of  the  muscle  masses. 

Massage  is  of  great  value  in  general  conditions  of  lack  of 
muscular  tone,  nervous  exhaustion,  and  failure  of  the  peripheral 
circulation.  In  some  local  diseases  affecting  chiefly  muscular 
tissue,  its  influence  is  most  pronounced.  By  the  influence  of 
massage  on  circulation  and  nutrition,  tbe  contents  of  the  blood 
vessels  are  moved  onward,  all  backward  movements  of  the  blood 
being  prevented  by  the  valves  of  the  veins  and  by  the  propelling 
power  of  the  heart  and  arteries.  Fluids  outside  these  vessels 
pass  through  their  walls  to  take  the  place  of  the  stagnant  blood 

(135) 


136  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

that  has  been  moved  onward.  Otlicr  blood  flows  into  the  parts, 
and  thus  active  and  healthy  circulation  is  induced,  and  nutritive 
material,  capable  of  affording  vital  support,  is  also  brought  to 
refresh  the  local  part.  The  movements  of  massage  may  be  ar- 
ranged in  three  groups — first,  stroking;  second,  kneading;  third, 
percussion.  In  properly  performed  general  massage,  all  these 
movements  are  practiced  at  a  single  seance  in  the  order  in  which 
they  have  been  named.  The  stroking  movement  should  always 
precede  the  others,  and  be  directed  from  the  feet  to  the  body. 
In  making  the  strokes,  both  hands  should  be  employed.  The  limb 
is  grasj)ed  with  one  hand  just  above  the  other  in  such  a  way  that 
pressure  is  exerted  to  some  extent  by  the  whole  palm,  but  espe- 
cially by  the  ball  of  the  thumb  and  the  minor  surface  of  the  last 
two  phalanges  of  the  fingers.  The  hands  are  moved  alternately, 
the  second  hand  taking  up  the  motion  of  the  first  hand  where  it 
has  ceased,  and  while  the  movement  is  being  executed  by  the 
second  hand,  the  first  hand  returning  to  its  original  position. 
The  strokes  in  the  horse  must  be  made  with  vigor  and  firmness, 
and  with  great  regularity. 

In  kneading,  the  endeavor  of  the  operator  is  to  pick  up  the 
individual  muscles  or  muscle  groups  between  the  fingers  of  the 
two  hands,  or  in  some  cases  between  the  thumb  and  finger  of  one 
hand,  and  then  to  roll  or  squeeze  the  muscle  with  a  double  move- 
ment. The  series  of  pinchings  is  carried  from  the  insertion  of 
the  muscle  towards  its  origin.  The  second  hand  should  follow 
rapidly  uj)on  the  first  in  duplicating  the  stroke.  For  an  exam- 
ple, the  operator  should  start  on  the  limbs  at  the  feet  and  carry 
his  series  of  pinchings  to  the  body. 

Percussion  is  made  either  with  the  points  of  the  finger  brought 
into  a  line  with  one  another,  or  wdth  the  side  of  the  hand  and 
fingers;  the  fingers  should  be  so  held  as  to  have  looseness  and 
elasticity.  The  blows  should  be  at  right  angles  to  the  fibers  of 
the  muscles,  and  the  whole  series  of  blows  carried  from  the  in- 
sertion towards  the  origin  of  the  muscle.  During  prolonged 
muscular  inaction,  whether  from  indolence,  disease,  or  other 


REMEDIAL  MEASURES  AND  REMEDIAL  METHODS.  137 

causes,  the  muscular  structure  itself  suffers  and  the  peripheral 
circulation  becomes  very  feeble.  Much  of  the  albuminous  liquid 
which  escapes  from  the  blood  vessels  and  diffuses  itself  through 
the  tissues,  after  serving  the  purpose  of  nutrition,  is  taken  up 
by  the  lymphatics  and  returned  to  the  great  blood  vessels.  If 
there  be  any  driving  of  this  liquid  from  the  periphery  to  the 
center  it  is  so  feeble  that  the  return  of  the  juices  depends  chiefly 
upon  the  squeezing  of  the  various  juice  channels  during  muscu- 
lar contraction.  During  habitual  inactivity,  the  movement  of 
fluids  in  the  juice  channels  outside  of  the  blood  vessels  is  ex- 
cessively sluggish,  and  it  is  one  great  object  of  the  stroking 
movements  in  massage  to  force  these  juices  onward.  General 
stroking  movements,  if  properly  administered,  are  very  quieting 
to  the  patient,  removing  nervousness  and  even  pain. 

The  kneading  and  percussion  movements  of  massage  act 
chiefly  upon  the  local  circulation.  Both  these  ^^I'ocesses  have  a 
distinct  effect  upon  the  capillary  circulation.  Where  the  fibers 
of  the  muscles  within  their  sheaths  become  agglutinated,  and  the 
skin  itself  becomes  abnormally  tense  and  attached  to  the  sub- 
dermic  tissue,  as  a  result  of  rheumatic  muscular  affection  and 
bad  condition  of  the  system  generally,  kneading  has  the  power 
to  remove  this  condition  by  mechanically  loosening  the  aggluti- 
nated fibers  and  by  so  stimulating  the  local  circulation  as  to 
cause  absorption  of  exudations.  This  condition  is  generally 
known  as  hide-bound. 

The  first  seance  in  general  massage  should  not  last  longer  than 
from  twenty  minutes  to  a  half  hour,  but  in  a  little  time  a  full 
hour  will  be  required.  When  there  is  lack  of  digestive  power, 
constipation,  or  similar  symptoms — the  outcome  of  sluggishness 
of  the  abdominal  circulation  and  nerve  supply — local  massage 
of  the  abdominal  and  pelvic  region  should  be  freely  employed. 
In  the  treatment  of  sprains  local  massage  is  beneficial  after  the 
first  stages  of  inflammation  and  irritation  have  passed.  In  mus- 
cular rheumatism  or  chronic  inflammation  of  the  joints,  it  is  of 
great  value.     In  various  forms  of  paralysis  local  massage  is  of 


138  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

great  value  as  a  means  of  maintaining  the  nutrition  of  the  af- 
fected muscles.  It  may  be  employed  in  all  forms  of  paralysis. 
In  no  other  class  of  animals  is  general  massage  so  beneficial  as 
in  the  horse.  Good  grooming  and  rubbing  is  worth  almost  as 
much  to  the  horse's  improvement,  and  taking  on  flesh,  as  bis 
food. 


VIIL 
INFLAMMATION. 

Definition. — Inflamuialion  may  Le  defined  as  the  succession 
of  changes  which  takes  ])hice  in  a  living  tissue  as  the  result  of 
some  kind  of  injury,  provided  that  this  injury  be  insufficient, 
immediately,  to  destroy  its  vitality. — Scmderson. 

The  process  of  inflammation  is  essentially  the  same  in  warm 
and  cold  blooded  animals,  and  by  microscopial  examinations  it 
has  been  proven  to  be  the  same  in  man.  The  process  of  inflam- 
mation comprises  changes  in  the  blood  vessels  and  circulation, 
exudation  of  fluid  and  of  l)lood  corpuscles  from  the  vessels,  and 
changes  in  the  inflamed  tissues.  These  changes  all  go  on  to- 
gether. Inflammation  causes  a  dilation  of  the  arteries,  which 
gradually  extends  to  the  veins  and  capillaries.  It  affects  arteries 
chiefly,  then  the  veins,  and  the  capillaries  but  slightly.  The 
enlargement  of  the  blood  vessels  is  associated  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  process  with  an  acceleration  in  the  flow  of  blood,  and 
is  followed  by  a  considerable  retardation  in  the  circulation,  the 
vessel  still  remaining  dilated.  As  the  stream  gets  slower  white 
corpuscles  are  seen  in  increasing  numbers  in  the  plasmatic  layer 
in  the  smaller  veins,  rolling  slowly  along,  sticking  here  and 
there,  and  finally  coming  to  a  standstill,  until  the  vessels  are 
lined  with  them.  This  narrowing  of  the  veins  by  layers  of  white 
corpuscles,  among  which  there  are  no  red  corpuscles,  increases 
the  obstruction  to  the  circulation,  which  becomes  slower  and 
slower  until  all  onward  movements  cease  in  the  capillaries. 
Finally,  thrombosis  or  coagulation  may  take  place,  but  not  until 
the  capillary  walls  are  dead. 

There  is  an  escape  of  fluid  and  of  blood  corpuscles  from  the 
vessels.  The  leucocytes  immediately  adjacent  to  the  wall  gradu- 
ally sink  into  it  and  pass  through  into  the  surrounding  tissues. 

(139) 


140  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 

A  similar  escape  takes  place,  but  to  a  less  extent  from  the  capil- 
laries. In  some  inflammation  the  escape  of  red  corpuscles  even 
exceeds  the  white.  It  is  certain  that  all  new  cells  found  in 
inflamed  tissues,  as  a  direct  result  of  the  injury  which  caused 
the  process,  are  escaped  blood  corpuscles.  The  tissues  of  an  in- 
flamed part  are  softer  than  natural,  watery  or  solid  looking,  and 
in  either  case  the  component  tissues  are  blurred  or  altogether  in- 
distinguishable. 

Having  thus  briefly  described  the  succession  of  changes  which 
occur  in  the  process  of  inflammation,  we  will  next  consider  how 
an  injury  can  produce  them.  It  has  been  lield  that  injury  causes 
abnormal  conditions  of  the  blood,  of  the  tissues,  of  the  nerves, 
and  of  the  blood  vessels.  On  one  or  other  or  all  of  these  parts 
it  necessarily  must  act.  The  essential  lesion  of  inflammation  is 
a  change  in  the  vessel  wall,  resulting  from  an  injury,  which  in- 
creases the  friction  naturally  offered  to  the  passage  of  the  blood, 
and  IS  a  step  towards  death.  To  cover  all  that  we  know  of  the 
escape  of  fluid  and  corpuscles,  it  is  necessary  to  assume  that  the 
molecular  change  not  only  increases  the  friction  between  the 
blood  and  the  vessel  wall,  but  also  that  it  renders  the  latter  more 
porous.  The  signs  of  inflammation  are  redness,  heat,  swelling, 
pain,  and  impaired  function.  Redness  and  heat  may  be  taken 
together  as  depending  upon  the  quantity  of  blood  passing 
through  the  part  in  a  unit  of  time.  Swelling  is  caused  by  exu- 
dation of  fluid  and  corpuscles.  Pain  is  due  to  pressure  of  the 
effusion  on  nerve  endings,  perhaps  also  to  chemical  violation  of 
them.  Impaired  function  is  due  to  the  fact  that  every  tissue  is 
injured  by  inflammation. 

The  following  A^arieties  of  inflammation  are  to  be  regarded  as 
steps  in  the  process  of  inflammation  due  to  variation  in  the  re- 
sisting power  of  the  tissue,  the  intensity  of  the  cause,  and  the 
duration  of  its  action: 

Serous  Ixflammatiox. — As  a  result  of  slight  injury,  the  nor- 
mal transudation  from  the  vessels  is  increased  in  quantity  and 
contains  excess  of  albumen,  but  very  few  leucocytes.     The  best 


INFLAMMATION.  141 

examj)les  are  chronic  etfusion  into  serous  cavities,  the  i^leura 
joints,  or  tunica  vaginalis  (hydrocele). 

Fibrinous  Inflammation. — In  this  form  the  exudation  is  still 
more  richly  albuminous  and  contains  more  leucocytes;  it  conse- 
quently has  a  much  greater  tendency  to  coagulate,  and  lymph 
forms  on  the  inflamed  surface  or  in  the  substance  of  the  inflamed 
tissue.  The  most  typical  examples  are  found  on  serous  mem- 
branes. 

Productive  Inflammation. — This  is  the  case  when  the  in- 
flammatory process  ends  in  the  formation  of  new  tissue.  In  this 
case  any  fiber  jiresent  disappears  before  the  leucocytes,  which 
crowd  into  the  lymph  and  convert  it  into  a  tissue  of  closely- 
packed  leucocytes  in  a  scanty  homogeneous  matrix.  To  supply 
this  with  nourishment,  vascular  loops  spring  from  the  capillaries 
of  the  inflamed  tissue  and  penetrate  into  the  lymph  in  all  direc- 
tions; this  is  granulation  tissue. 

Ulcerative  Inflammation. — AVe  have  seen  that  suppuration 
in  the  substance  of  tissues  produces  molecular  disintegration  of 
them;  as  a  rule,  indistinct  slough  is  found  in  pus.  The  same 
molecular  distinction,  eating  away  the  tissues  on  a  free  surface, 
constitutes  ulceration. 

Hemorrhagic  Inflammation. — This  form  of  inflammation  is 
characterized  by  an  exudation  in  which  red  corpuscles  are  in 
great  excess.  The  results  of  inflammation  are  resolution,  adhe- 
sion, effusion,  suppuration,  ulceration,  and  mortification,  or  gan- 
grene. Eesolution  is  the  most  frequent  and  most  favorable  ter- 
mination of  inflammation.  It  consists  in  the  cessation  of  the 
process  and  the  restoration  of  the  part  to  health.  The  corpuscles 
of  the  stagnant  blood  move  off,  one  after  another,  till  a  slow 
stream  is  re-established  through  the  inflamed  area;  the  flow 
quickens  as  resistance  lessens  and  as  the  vessels  contract,  owing 
to  gradual  recovery  of  their  muscular  coats;  exudation,  first  of 
corpuscles,  then  of  fluid,  ceases,  and  the  circulation  again  be- 
comes normal.  "Whatever  favors  the  re-establishment  of  normal 
circulation  in  the  inflamed  area  will  favor  resolution.    This  may 


142  THE  STOCK  owner's  ADVISER. 

be  done  bj  a  soothing  application.  The  exudation  may  solidify,  in 
which  case  applications  are  to  be  made  to  l)reak  down  the  struc- 
ture, and  as  a  liquid  it  may  be  got  rid  of.  Adhesive  inflamma- 
tion is  where  there  is  inflammatory  action,  and  the  exciting 
causes  are  kept  up  until  a  permanent  thickening  of  the  affected 
part  results.  Effusion  is  where  an  exudation  of  serum  takes 
place,  as  in  infianimation  of  the  pleura,  etc. 

Suppuration,  or  the  formation  of  pus,  presents  two  parts  for 
consideration — a  liquid  and  a  solid,  the  corpuscles  being  the 
solid.  It  may  take  place  in  different  ways  or  in  different  forms — 
circumscribed,  diffused,  and  superficial.  Circumscribed  suppu- 
ration is  in  the  form  of  an  al^scess.  Diffused  suppuration  is  such 
as  takes  place  over  an  extensive  surface,  as  in  the  shoulders  and 
injuries  to  large  muscles.  Superficial,  as  in  the  mucous  mem- 
brane. Ulceration  also  occurs  as  a  result  of  inflammation;  the 
tissues  degenerate  and  are  thrown  off"  in  exudation.  It  occurs 
nsually  in  cases  Avhere  the  inflammation  has  been  long  continued, 
and  the  circulation  of  blood  in  the  parts  obstructed,  and  mole- 
cular death  of  the  part  occurs.  Gangrene  is  death  of  a  part,  and 
may  take  place  without  inflammation.  Gangrene  affects  the 
whole  system,  and  sets  up  such  a  constitutional  disturbance  that 
^eath  often  follows  as  a  result.  In  cases,  where  recovery  takes 
place,  the  gangrenous  portions  are  removed  by  sloughing. 

Treatment  of  Inflammation. — The  first  step  is  to  find  and 
remove  the  exciting  cause.  The  inflamed  parts  should  be  kept 
at  rest.  The  animal  should  be  dieted  and  placed  in  a  comforta- 
ble box.  Medicinal  remedies  may  be  either  local  or  constitu- 
tional. Cold  water  as  a  local  application,  to  allay  inflammation, 
is  used  extensively.  It  acts  by  contracting  the  vessels.  Warm 
water  is  also  of  great  use  where  the  pain  is  very  severe  and  the 
deep-seated  structures  are  involved.  Its  action  is  opposite  to 
cold;  the  warmth  promotes  swelling  and  relaxation  of  the  tissues, 
allaying  pain  and  irritability.  Hot  or  cold  applications  must  be 
kept  up  for  some  time.  Purgatives  are  useful  in  inflammation, 
the  best  being  aloes  for  the  horse,  sulphate  of  magnesia  for  the 


INFLAMMATION.  143 

COW,  and  syrup  of  buckthorn  and  jalap  for  the  dog.  They  are 
of  the  greatest  benefit  in  such  disease  as  laniinitis,  but  must  be 
withlield  in  infianiniation  of  the  lungs.  Sedatives  are  useful  in 
the  treatment  of  inflammation,  as  aconite,  digitalis,  belladonna, 
calomel,  and,  tartar  emetic.  Diuretics  are  extensively  used  in 
our  practice,  the  best  being  the  neutral  and  alkaline  salts,  nitrate 
of  potash,  etc.  Opium  is  also  good  where  muc'h  pain  is  present. 
Counter-irritants  are  of  very  great  benefit  in  the  treatment  of 
inflammation,  especially  when  deep-seated  and  chronic. 


IX. 
FRACTURES  OF  BONES. 

A  fracture  may  occur  in  three  ways — first,  by  external  vio- 
lence, operating-  directly  upon  the  injured  part;  second,  by  exter- 
nal violence,  producing  such  concussion  upon  the  bone  as  not  to 
break  it  where  the  force  is  applied,  but  at  some  other  part;  third, 
by  inordinate  action  of  the  muscles,  as  in  broken  back.  Some 
bones  are  more  liable  to  fracture  than  others.  The  bones  of  the 
pelvis,  shoulders,  thighs,  pasterns,  and  vertebrae  seem  to  be  more 
frequently  broken  than  others.  Bones  in  a  diseased  condition 
are  liable  to  fracture  from  trivial  causes.  The  bones  of  old 
horses  are  more  readily  broken  than  those  of  the  young. 

A  solution  of  continuity  of  bone  (fracture)  may  be  transverse, 
oblique,  or  longitudinal,  according  as  it  is  at  a  right  or  an  acute 
angle  with,  or  parallel  to,  the  long  axis  of  the  part  of  the  bone 
in  which  it  is  situated.  There  are  several  varieties  of  fractures, 
known  as  simple,  compound,  comminuted,  and  complicated.  A 
fracture  is  said  to  be  simple,  when  a  bone  is  broken  at  one  part, 
without  any  injury  of  soft  parts;  compovnd  or  open,  when  the 
broken  ends  separate,  pierce  the  soft  tissues,  and  injure  the  skin; 
comminuted,  when  the  bone  is  broken  into  several  fragments; 
complicated,  when,  together  with  the  fracture,  there  is  a  serious 
injury  to  the  joining  structures,  as  laceration  of  blood  vessels, 
nerves,  open  joint  or  serious  contusion  of  the  tissues.  There 
may  be  fractures  without  displacement,  as  sometimes  happens 
when  the  tibia  of  the  horse  is  fractured  and  held  in  place  by  the 
periosteum  for  days  or  weeks,  without  displacement,  the  frac- 
tured ends  of  the  bone  being  held  in  apposition  until  complete 
reunion  takes  place. 

An  erroneous  idea  has  prevailed  among  horsemen  that  frac- 
tured bones  in  the  horse  will  not  unite  as  quickly  as  the  bones  of 

(144) 


FRACTURES    OF    BONES.  145 

a  man.  They  will  unite  more  quickly,  the  great  difficulty  being 
to  keep  the  animal  quiet  and  the  bones  in  proper  jjosition.  The 
process  of  union  and  repair  in  the  horse  is  very  rapid  and  etfi- 
cient,  provided  the  solution  of  continuity  does  not  extend  into  a 
joint  having  extensive  motion. 

The  Symptoms  or  Fracture. — When  fracture  occurs  in  one 
or  more  bones  of  a  limb,  the  symptoms  are  great  lameness  sud- 
denly manifested,  obvious  deformity,  crepitation  and  inability 
to  bear  weight  upon  the  limb.  These  are  the  general  symptoms; 
the  particular  ones,  as  well  as  the  causes  of  the  several  fractures, 
will  be  hereafter  described  and  illustrated. 

Treatment. — There  are  certain  general  rules  applicable  to 
such  cases;  generally  speaking,  if  the  animal  be  one  of  small 
value,  we  advise  its  destruction.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  ani- 
mal be  valuable,  it  should  be  treated.  Compound  fractures  can- 
not be  treated  with  any  degree  of  success  in  the  horse,  especially 
those  of  the  tibia  and  humerus,  etc.  Having  decided  that  frac- 
ture is  present,  endeavor  to  bring  the  fractured  ends  of  the 
bone  into  position  as  soon  as  possible.  Having  done  this,  splints 
must  be  applied  in  such  a  manner  as  to  keep  the  parts  at  rest. 
This  is  accomplished  by  means  of  starch  or  plaster  of  Paris  ban- 
dages, and  by  the  use  of  slings.  A  starch  bandage  is  simply 
factory  cotton  starched  and  applied  around  the  parts.  The  best 
bandage,  however,  is  formed  of  calico  stiffened  with  plaster  of 
Paris,  ,care  being  taken  to  secure  bandages  of  proper  size,  in 
width  and  length.  They  should  be  not  less  than  thirty  feet  long 
and  four  inches  wide.  The  bandage  should  be  dipped  into,  or 
have  poured  upon  it,  plaster  of  Paris  as  it  is  being  applied, 
which,  on  setting  or  becoming  dry,  forms  a  perfectly  reliable 
and  unyielding  bandage,  being,  as  it  were,  moulded  to  the  ])arts 
and  causing  no  undue  irritation  or  feeling  of  discomfort.  Nice, 
light  splints  may  be  used,  such  as  strong  leather,  tlie  pieces  being 
made  sufficiently  long  to  extend  to  a  distance  beyond  the  supe- 
rior and  inferior  articulations  of  the  fractured  bones,  and  broad 
enough  to  envelop  and  enclose  the  whole  circumference  of  the 
10 


146  THE  STOCK  owxkr's  adviskr. 

]inib.  Holes  should  he  cut  in  the  leather  where  the  splints  pass 
over  any  sharp  eminence.  There  is  a  new  kind  of  splint  used 
in  human  practice,  a  kind  of  porous  felt;  this  looks  very  nice  and 
light,  and,  by  immersing  in  hot  water,  it  becomes  perfectly  plia- 
ble and  will  take  the  shape  of  the  part;  then  applying  cold 
water,  it  becomes  solid.  When  swelling  is  present  before  the 
fracture  is  reduced,  the  splints  may  be  maintained  in  position 
by  the  loop  bandage,  which  consists  of  strips  of  calico  about  two 
or  three  inches  broad,  and  long  enough,  when  folded  double,  to 
pass  around  the  limb,  with  a  few  inches  of  excess;  one  of  the 
ends  is  then  drawn  through  the  loop  and  fastened  to  the  other. 
This  bandage  is  useful  when  the  degree  of  tightness  requires  to 
be  altered;  but  it  must  be  replaced  by  the  common  roller,  as  soon 
as  the  swelling  has  subsided,  and  supplemented  by  one  or  two 
layers  of  bandage  saturated  with  starch.  We  have  used,  with 
good  results,  a  tarred  cord  carefully  applied  to  the  whole  lim'b 
over  the  leather.  The  animal,  if  a  horse,  is  to  be  kept  in  a  state 
of  quietude,  in  slings,  for  a  period  varying  from  two  to  three 
months.  In  foals,  or  unbroken  horses,  the  slings  must  be  dis- 
pensed with,  the  limb  being  set  in  the  ordinary  way  and  the 
colt  being  put  in  a  comfortable  box,  bedded  with  sawdust,  chaff, 
or  short  straw.  When  the  bones  of  horned  cattle  are  fractured, 
they  must  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  the  young 
horse,  slings  being  as  a  rule  inadmissible.  The  limbs  of  dogs, 
when  broken,  require  nothing  but  a  starch  or  j)laster  of  Paris 
bandage;  in  the  course  of  a  very  few  weeks  they  will  be  found 
completely  recovered.  To  prevent  dogs  from  biting  the  bandage, 
it  should  be  sprinkled  with  cayenne  pepper  before  it  sets. 

Modes  of  Uxiox. — The  mode  of  union,  as  well  as  the  length 
of  time  required  in  repair,  depends  to  a  great  extent  upon  the 
bone  fractured.  An  early  consequence  of  fracture  appears  to  be 
an  exudation  of  lymph,  which  ultimately  becomes  firm,  when  it 
is  called  callus.  The  first  eight  or  ten  days  blood  is  extravasated 
into  the  medullary  canal  between  the  fragments  and  under  the 
periosteum;  after  a  time  sanguineous  effusion  is  removed  by 


FRACTURES    OF    BONES.  147 

absorption.  Between  the  tenth  or  twelfth  to  the  twentieth  or 
twenty-fifth  day  an  exudation  of  Ivniph  takes  place,  the  repara- 
tive material  being  deposited  between  the  fractured  ends  of  the 
bone,  and  known  as  the  callus.  From  the  twentieth  or  twenty- 
fifth  day  to  the  .thirtieth,  fortieth,  or  sixtieth  day  the  fibro- 
cartilage  between  the  periosteum  and  the  bone  and  that  within 
the  medullary  canal  are  both  converted  into  bone,  the  external 
forming-  a  ring  and  the  internal  a  plug,  or  peg,  filling  up  the 
medullary  canal,  and  together  constituting  the  provisional 
callus.  During  the  fifth  and  sixth  months  the  callus  increases 
in  hardness,  from  day  to  day,  until  it  is  finally  converted  into 
bone,  constituting  the  permanent  callus.  Extending  from  the 
fifth  or  sixth  month  to  the  tenth  or  twelfth,  the  provisional 
callus,  being  no  longer  necessary,  disappears,  and  the  medullary 
canal  is  restored.  The  reparative  material  makes  the  parts  as 
strong,  or  stronger,  than  l)efore  fracture. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  HUMERUS. 

Fracture  of  the  humerus  is  caused  by  falls,  kicks,  and  severe 
injuries,  such  as  are  sustained  sometimes  in  running  away.  We 
are  of  the  opinion  that  perfect  soundness  cannot  be  restored  in 
this  fracture.  The  powerful  muscles  attached  to  this  bone  pull 
the  fractured  ends  out  of  place,  in  spite  of  any  appliance  that 
can  be  used.  A  very  young  animal  may  be  treated  when  the 
fracture  is  known  as  a  simple  one;  but  as  a  rule  it  is  best  to 
destroy  the  animal. 

Symptoms. — The  fractured  ends  nre  drawn  past  each  other 
as  in  the  cut.  The  limb  is  shortened,  the  inferior  portion  of  the 
bone  being  drawn  ui)wards  by  the  muscles  attaclied  to  it;  great 
lameness;  crepitus  may  or  may  not  he  well  marked.  It  some- 
times happens  that  humeral  arteries  are  ruptured,  causing  great 
engorgement  of  this  part  of  the  limb^  and  rendering  detection 
of  crepitus  an  impossibility.  The  condyles  of  the  humerus  are 
occasionally  fractured;  as  a  rule^  they  never  will  unite^  because 


148  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

of  the  impossibility  of  keeping  the  parts  in  a  state  of  complete 
rest. 

Radius  and  Ulna. — The  radius  and  ulna  are  fractured  by 
direct  violence,  as  the  olecranon  by  muscular  contraction.  In 
dogs  this  fracture  is  not  at  all  uncommon.  The  olecranon  is 
fractured  transversely  by  over-extension;  it  snaps  across  about 
its  middle. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  immediate  and  great  lameness;  the 
animal  will  stand  with  the  whole  limb  in  an  exceedingly  relaxed 
and  semi-flexed  condition    with  almost  total  inability  to  move  it 


Fig.  27 — Fracture  of  the  Humerus. 

or  support  any  weight  upon  it.  Owing  to  the  immediate  swell- 
ing it  becomes  a  matter  of  great  difficulty  to  form  a  correct 
diagnosis.  ]\Ir.  Anderson,  of  Glasgow,  has  discovered  an  almost 
unfailing  mode  of  diagnosing  this  fracture,  as  follows:  Let  the 
examiner  place  his  knee  firmly  against  the  patient's  injured  leg; 
by  firm  pressure  straighten  the  semi-flexed  leg,  and  keep  it  in 
that  position  while  an  assistant  is  directed  to  lift  up  the  horse's 
opposite  forefoot.  If  the  olecranon  is  fractured,  the  patient  is 
unable  to  stand;  but  if  there  is  merely  laceration,  he  will  be  able 
to  bear  his  weight  with  the  assistance  at  the  knee  given  by  the 
examiner, 


FRACTURES    OF    BONES.  149 

There  are  two  positions  in  which  the  limb  is  maintained  when 
suffering  from  this  injury — namely,  semi-flex,  with  the  foot  in 
advance,  or  semi-flex  with  the  foot  behind,  knuckling  over,  the 
toe  only  touching  the  ground  and  turned  inward. 

Treatmext. — Place  in  slings  and  bring  the  part,  if  possible, 
in  proper  position  and  bandage.  When  the  process  of  caries  or 
necrosis  takes  place,  the  diseased  or  detached  fragments  of  bone 
are  to  be  cut  down  upon  and  removed,  but  as  a  rule  an  animal 
receiving  such  a  fracture  should  be  destroyed.  Fracture  often 
takes  place  from  the  horse  falling  in  the  cart,  the  elbow  being 
thrown  across  the  shaft,  and  both  the  radius  and  ulna  being 
broken  through  to  the  articulation.  This  lesion  cannot  be 
treated.  The  beak  of  the  olecranon  is  sometimes  broken;  this 
cannot  be  cured.  If  the  radius  is  broken  in  combination  with 
the  ulna  it  may  be  successfully  treated. 

FEACTURE  OF  THE  KNEE. 

Fracture  of  the  knee  is  caused  by  kicks  and  falls,  concussion, 
etc.  As  a  rule,  we  do  not  treat  such  cases,  but  if  the  animal  be 
valuable  for  breeding  purposes,  it  is  worth  while  to  attempt 
treatment. 

Symptojis  — There  is  extensive  swelling,  lameness,  and  crepi- 
tus may  be  detected. 

Treatment. — Absolute  rest;  apply  the  plaster  of  Paris  band- 
age and  place  in  slings.  After  a  few  weeks'  rest  the  animal  may 
be  gently  exercised.  This  is  necessary  owang  to  the  liability  of 
anchylosis  taking  place. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  SCAPULA. 

The  tubercle  on  the  sj)ine  of  the  scapula  sometimes  becomes 
fractured,  usually  caused  by  injury,  as  external  violence  of  any 


150 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


kind.  It  is  never  cansed  by  nniscnlar  contraction.  ISTecrosis  is 
the  usual  result  of  this  fracture,  and  is  manifested  in  the  usual 
way  by  sejoaration,  etc. 

TreatjSIENT. — Cut  down  upon  and  remove  any  detached  or 
diseased  portions  of  bone  that  may  be  found.  Fracture  through 
the  necJc  of  the  scapula  sometimes  occurs,  and  may  be  caused  in 
various  ways. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  can  hardly  move  the  limb;  perhaps 
goes  on  three  legs,  and  there  is  crepitation. 


Fig.  28 — The  Horse  in  Slinks. 

Treatment. — If  tlie  fracture  lie  of  the  variety  known  as  sim- 
ple, it  can  be  cured;  but  it  will  take  a  long'  time  and  a  great  deal 
of  trouble.  If  the  fracture  extends  into  the  articulation,  the 
case  is  usually  hopeless,  the  only  chance  being  the  exudation  of 
material  to  cover  it  up;  but  little  can  be  done  beyond  enjoining 
quietude,  ])]acing-  tlie  animal  in  slings,  and  watching  for  unto- 
ward complications. 


FRACTURES  OF  BONES.  151 


METACARPAL. 


This  fracture  is  easily  diagnosed,  and,  if  simple,  can  be  suc- 
cessfully treated  by  using  splints,  bandages,  slings,  etc.  The 
small  metacarpals  may  be  fractured  and  set  up  considerable  irri- 
tation, but  reunion  will  generally  take  place  if  the  animal  is  kept 
quiet.  There  is  no  necessity  of  putting  the  animal  in  slings. 
This  fracture  may  be  caused  by  striking  with  the  hind  foot.  In 
some  cases  crepitation  may  be  detected. 

SESAMOID  BONES. 

Fracture  of  the  sesamoids  occur  from  a  violent  sprain  as  in 
galloping  in  steeplechasing.  In  transverse  fracture  the  symp- 
toms are  descent  of  the  fetlock  pad,  elevation  of  the  toe,  with 
great  lameness,  and  the  presence  of  a  depression,  marking  the 
seat  of  the  fracture  in  the  bone  or  bones.  If  the  patient  be  a 
valuable  animal  for  breeding  it  may  be  treated;  if  not,  destroy 
the  animal. 

OS  SUFFRAGINIS. 

The  OS  suffraginis  is  sometimes  broken  into  many  fragments, 
most  mysteriously,  while,  the  animal  is  galloped  on  sandy  or  soft 
ground.  This  bone  is  frequently  fractured.  It  is  a  common 
accident  among  race  horses  and  hunters.  The  fracture  is  usually 
caused  by  concussion. 

Symptoms. — Extreme  lameness;  there  may  or  may  not  be  crep- 
itation. If  it  is  a  simple  fracture  it  may  be  treated  with  success, 
but  if  compound  or  comminuted,  it  is  best  to  destroy  the  animal. 

OS  CORONA. 

The  OS  corona  is  rarely  fractured,  but  fracture  may  be  pro- 
duced in  the  same  way  as  those  given,  and  may  be  treated  in  the 
same  way. 

Os  Pedis. — Fracture  of  the  os  jjcdis  is  caused  by  concussion, 
and  occurs  most  frequently  among  running  horses.    The  animal, 


152  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER, 

■while  running,  suddenly  falters  and  pulls  dead  lame.  Soon  there 
will  be  great  heat  around  the  coronet,  and  great  pain  manifested. 
The  animal  is  unable  to  mark  the  limb.  Xothing  can  be  done 
except  to  rest  the  animal  and  endeavor  to  combat  inflammation. 
It  is  frequently  an  act  of  mercy  to  destroy  the  animal. 

NAVICULAR. 

The  na\acular  bone  may  be  fractured  in  two  ways — first,  by 
direct  jouncture,  as  when  a  nail  penetrates  the  frog;  secondly, 
when  it  has  been  nearly  worn  through  by  caries  or  chronic  navi- 
cular disease.  Fracture  of  the  navicular  bone  is  hard  to  diag- 
nose. The  history  of  the  case  must  be  taken  into  account.  When 
the  bone  is  punctured  by  a  nail,  and  broken,  the  discharge  will 
be  of  a  bloody  nature,  giving  it  a  dirty  red  hue  and  fetid  odor. 
When  the  fracture  is  caused  by  chronic  navicular  disease,  the 
horse  is  generally  found  to  have  been  lame  for  some  time,  but 
serviceable.  All  at  once  he  becomes  helplessly  lame  and  unfit 
for  further  use.  This  form  of  fracture  oceups  very  often  after 
the  operation  of  neurotomy,  both  tendon  and  bone  giving  way, 
and  the  fetlock  coming  to  the  ground.  Inflammation  and  suppu- 
ration are  the  results  ere  reunion  may  take  place. 

BROKEN  RIBS. 

The  causes  are  direct  violence,  such  as  kicks  from  other 
horses  and  blows.  In  simple  fracture  there  are  no  symptoms  pre- 
sented and  no  treatment  necessary.  The  compound  fracture  is 
the  only  kind  that  generally  comes  under  our  notice.  The  rib 
may  penetrate  the  lung  and  cause  jmeumonia. 

Treatment. — To  find  out  whether  the  lung  is  punctured,  and 
if  the  fragment  or  fragments  of  bone  are  displaced,  and  to  re- 
place them  in  their  j)roper  position.  All  this  may  be  done  by 
introducing  the  finger  into  the  wound  and  by  converting  the 
compound  into  a  simple  fracture,  closing  the  external  opening 
by  a  good,  stiff  plaster — the  Burgundy  or  common  pitch  will  do 
ve^y  well-    A  broad  bandage  may  be  applied  around  the  body. 


FRACTURES    OF    BONES. 


153 


If  treated  immediately  after  the  accident,  eight  drachms  of 
aloes  may  be  used.  If  inflammation  of  the  pulmonary  organs 
has  manifested  itself,  give  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  ounce; 
nitrate  of  potash,  three  drachms,  as  a  drench  three  limes  a  day. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  FEMUR. 

The  femur  may  be  fractured  through  its  neck  or  through  its 
shaft;  both  forms  are  incurable.  In  both  there  is  shortening  of 
the  limb,  the  toe  being  turned  inward,  except  when  the  head  of 


Fig.  29— Fracture  of  the  Femur. 

the  femur  is  forced  into  the  foramen  oval,  when  the  limb  will  be 
found  longer  than  its  fellow,  and  the  toe  will  be  turned  outwards. 
Fractures  of  the  trochanters  may  be  treated.  The  symptoms  of 
fracture  of  the  trochanter  minor  externus  are  as  follows:  The 
commencement  of  the  act  of  extending  the  foot  is  done  easily, 
but  the  concluding  part  of  the  elevation  of  the  liml)  is  performed 
with  great  pain,  causing  a  jerk  when  the  lind)  is  suddenly  drop- 
ped; but  when  it  has  descended  a  very  short  way  the  pain  is  re- 
lieved.   Fracture  of  the  condyles  cannot  be  treated. 


154  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


PATELLA. 


Fracture  of  this  bone  takes  place,  due  to  direct  injury  or  mus- 
cular contraction;  the  fracture  may  be  longitudinal  or  trans- 
verse. It  cannot  be  treated  with  success  unless  it  is  a  mere  crack 
of  the  bone,  with  no  displacement.  A  shoe  with  a  high  toe- 
piece  and  heel  may  be  used  and  the  animal  placed  in  slings,  and 
cooling  applications  being  employed  to  reduce  inflammation  and 
swelling. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  TIBIA. 

Fracture  of  this  bone  takes  place  oftener  than  that  of  any 
other  bone  of  the  hind  extremity.  It  is  caused  by  direct  injury, 
as  kicks,  and  often  occurs  without  displacement  for  several  days. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  stands  with  the  limb  flexed,  throwing 
scarcely  any  weight  upon  it.  When  the  parts  are  manipulated 
the  animal  evinces  great  pain.  If  such  symptoms  are  present, 
the  animal  should  be  treated  for  fracture,  the  limb  retained  in 
position  by  means  already  described.  If  displacement  has  taken 
place,  and  the  animal  is  aged,  the  best  course  will  be  to  destroy  it. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  TARSAL  AND  METATARSAL  BONES. 

If  the  astragalus  be  fractured,  there  is  little  use  in  treating. 
The  OS  calcis  is  transversely  fractured  by  muscular  contraction 
and  by  slipping  forward  of  the  limb. 

Inspection  will  demonstrate  a  flatness  of  the  point  of  the  hock, 
with  an  apparent  shortening  of  the  limb.  By  manipulation  the 
examiner  will  l)e  enabled  to  detect  the  detached  portion  of  bone. 
Lameness  and  swelling  are  present. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  slings;  apply  a  high-heeled 
shoe,  then  force  the  fragments  into  proper  position,  as  nearly  as 
possible,  retaining  it  there  by  pads  of  tow  and  bandages.  The 
tow  should  be  made  into  firm  pads  and  rolls,  and  pressed  down 
in  front  and  on  both  sides  of  the  fragments  to  prevent  it  from 


FEACTURES    OF    BONES.  155 

falling-  forwards.  Over  the  dry  bandage  the  starch  bandage  must 
be  carefully  laid,  extending  from  the  foot  over  the  hock  as  high 
as  possible,  in  order  to  keep  the  limb  in  a  state  of  rigidity. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  METATARSAL  BONES. 

The  tarsal  bones  are  all  liable  to  be  fractured  by  direct  injury, 
and  should  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  the  similar  bones  of 
the  fore  extremity. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  VERTEBRAE. 

A  fractured  vertebra  above  the  origin  of  the  phrenic  nerve, 
with  displacement  of  its  fragments,  produces  death.  It  is  not  dis- 
covered until  a  post  mortem  examination  be  made.  The  nerve 
being  cut  oif,  can  no  longer  convey  motor  power  to  the  dia- 
phragm; the  respiration  grows  slower  and  slower  until  it  finally 
ceases  altogether,  death  resulting  solely  from  paralysis  of  this 
great  respiratory  muscle. 

The  transverse  processes  of  the  cervical  vertebrae  are  some- 
times fractured,  and,  by  pressing  upon  the  cervical  nerve  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood,  cause  more  or  less  paralysis  of  the 
cervical  muscles  supplied  by  the  nerve,  producing  what  is  com- 
monly termed  wry  neck — that  is,  a  twisted  neck,  the  head  being 
turned  from  the  seat  of  injury.  Fracture  may  occur  by  being 
halter-cast,  getting  the  foot  into  the  halter  and  struggling  vio- 
lently, getting  under  the  manger,  or  other  such  injuries. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  tendency  to  carry  the  head  to  one  side; 
examination  along  the  neck  may  find  the  seat  of  injury  and  de- 
tect crepitation.  If  you  suspect  a  fracture,  keep  the  animal  as 
quiet  as  possible;  bathe  to  allay  the  irritation  and  kec])  the  feed- 
box  pretty  high;  tie  him  up  for  several  days.  There  are  cases 
where  reunion  does  not  take  place,  causing  necrosis  of  the  parts; 
they  become  detached  and  set  up  irritation;  there  is  a  discharge; 
perhaps  it  heals  up  and  then  breaks  out  again.  Cut  down  and 
remove  the  particle  of  bone. 

The  spinous  processes  of  the  dorsal  vertebrae  are  the  seat  of 


156  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

fracture;  when  this  occurs,  the  detached  fragments  cause  what 
is  known  as  fistulous  withers;  the  sinuses  must  be  explored  and 
the  fragments  removed.  It  is  sometimes  found  that  the  tuberous 
ends  of  the  spines  are  in  a  state  of  caries  or  necrosis  from  being- 
bruised.  The  treatment  for  this  kind  of  injury  is  the  careful 
scraping  away  of  the  diseased  surface. 

DORSAL  SPINE. 

Fracture  of  the  bodies  of  the  dorsal  spine  give  rise  to  what  is 
known  as  broken  back.  A  fracture  of  the  dorsal  spine  is  gen- 
erally due  to  an  ill-fitting  saddle.  Anchylosis  of  the  dorsal  verte- 
brae in  old  horses  is  manifested  by  a  peculiar  stiffness  of  the  back, 
well  shown  when  the  animal  turns  around.  On  casting  such  a 
horse,  fracture  of  the  bodies  of  the  vertebrae  is  very  likely  to 
occur,  and  will  generally  produce  complete  or  partial  paralysis. 
If  the  fractured  part  press  upon  the  spinal  cord,  the  animal  will 
be  unable  to  rise,  and  complete  paralysis  may  occur.  The  animal 
shows  no  sign  of  feeling  on  being  pricked  with  a  pin.  The  hind 
legs  may  be  moved  about  in  any  direction  without  any  resistance 
by  the  animal.    The  faeces  may  be  passed  involuntarily. 

Treatment. — If  fracture  of  the  superior  spinous  processes  be 
present,  the  detached  pieces  of  bone  should  be  cut  down  upon 
and  removed,  and  if  the  bone  is  found  to  be  diseased  it  should  be 
touched  with  diluted  hydrochloric  acid;  if  the  bodies  of  the  ver- 
tebra are  fractured,  as  a  rule,  nothing  can  be  done. 

In  the  lumbar  vertebra  fractures  occur  in  the  same  manner 
and  present  the  same  symptoms  as  in  the  dorsal  region.  If  frac- 
ture occurs  to  the  transverse  processes,  and  the  animal  is  kept 
quiet,  reunion  takes  place  quickly. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  SACRUM. 

Fracture  of  the  transverse  processes  of  the  sacrum  is  caused  by 
slipping,  or  by  violent  falls.  Muscular  contraction  will  also 
cause  it. 

Symptoms. — There  is  difficulty  in  moving.     Before  long  it  is 


FRACTURES    OF    BONES. 


157 


observed  that  the  haunch  falls  to  a  certain  extent;  the  highest 
part  of  the  quarter  becomes  flattened.  Examination  per  rectum 
will  enable  the  practitioner  easily  to  diagnose  the  exact  seat  of 
the  injury. 

Treatment. — Slings  and  rest;  as  a  rule  cases  terminate  very 
satisfactorily,  leaving  only  the  flatness  of  the  quarter. 

The  coccygeal  are  also  liable  to  fracture,  which  may  be  de- 
tected by  inability  of  the   animal 
to  raise  the  tail,  difficulty  in  de- 
faeoation,  and  by  crepitation. 

Treatment, — S  t  r  o  n  g  leather 
binding  laced  around  the  tail,  ex- 
tending from  its  upper  to  its  lower 
part,  proper  padding  being  at  the 
same  time  used  to  prevent  excoria- 
tioUk 

The  rudimentary  spines  of  the 
false  vertebra?  of  the  tail  are  some- 
times fractured,  giving  rise  to 
troublesome  sinuses.  The  treat- 
ment will  be  to  lay  oj^en  the 
wounds  and  remove  the  detached 
bone.     . 

A  comminuted  fracture  of  the 
bones  of  the  tail,  with  violent 
bruising  of  the  soft  parts  and  gan- 
grene, is  occasionally  seen.  In  such  amputation  of  the  tail  and, 
removal  of  all  of  the  fractured  bones  must  at  once  he  resorted  to 
or  serious  consequences  may  result,  such  as  irritative  fever  and 
tetanus. 


Fig.   30— Fracture  of  the 
Sacrum. 


FRACTURE  OF  THE  PELVIC  BONE. 


Ilium. — Fracture  of  the  supero-anterior  spine  of  the  ilium  is 
one  of  the  most  common  accidents  of  horse  flesh.  It  is  usually 
produced  by  running  through  a  doorway  or  other  narrow  place 


158 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


and  striking  the  part  against  the  door  frame.     It  may  also  be 
caused  by  falls. 

Symptoms. — There  is  lameness  and  lateral  flatness  of  the  quar- 
ter. The  broken  piece  of  bone  is  drawn  inward  and  downward 
by  the  action  of  the  abdominal  muscles  attached  to  it.  In  this 
fracture  we  find  that  the  method  of  repair  is  by  false  joint.  Very 
little  treatment  necessary  in  a  case  of  this  kind.    If  the  soft  parts 

are  injured,  purga- 
t  i  V  e  ,  fomentation, 
and  a  short  rest  will 
'be  sufficient.  If  the 
animal  is  not  kept 
quiet,  caries  or  ne- 
crosis may  set  in, 
rendering  it  neces- 
s'ary  to  open  up  the 
parts  and  remove 
any  diseased  or  de- 
tached portions  of 
bone  that  may  be 
found. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE 
ILIUM. 


Fig.   31 — Fracture  of  the  Anterior   Spine 
of  the  IHuna. 


Fracture  of  the 
dorsum  of  the  ilium 
is  generally  due  to  muscular  contraction.  There  is  falling  of  the 
haunch  and  swelling.  The  animal  is  to  be  kept  as  quiet  as  possi- 
ble; use  slings,  fomentations,  plasters,  and  chargers. 

Fracture  through  the  shaft  of  the  ilium  is  common,  and  is 
caused  by  slipping,  falling,  etc.  There  is  difficulty  in  bringing 
the  limb  forward,  which  has  suddenly  slipped.  Examination  per 
rectum  may  detect  crepitus.  The  prognosis  is  usually  favorable, 
especially  if  the  j)aticnt  be  young  and  strong. 


TEACTURES    OF    BONES.  159 

Ischium. — The  shaft  of  tlie  ischium  is  the  portion  most  liable 
to  fracture,  and  the  fracture  generally  passes  through  the  fora- 
men ovale.  It  is  caused  by  slipping,  falling,  etc.  There  is  diffi- 
culty in  progression,  descension  of  the  haunch  to  a  certain  extent, 
and  crepitus. 

Fracture  Through  the  Symphysis  Pubis. — This  form  of  frac- 
ture is  caused  by  the  posterior  extremities  suddenly  slipping  out- 
wards. Its  symptoms  are  a  wide,  straddling  gait  behind,  the 
legs  being  dragged  forward  in  progression;  the  feet  wide  apart, 
the  toes  turned  outward.     Examine  per  rectum. 

Very  little  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  not  of  much  value,  he  had  better  be  destroyed;  but  if 
young  he  may  be  treated.  Place  in  slings,  pull  the  limbs  as  near 
to  each  other  as  possible,  and  keep  in  that  position  by  fastening 
with  a  strap  above  the  hocks.  In  two  or  three  months  a  fair  re- 
covery may  be  expected. 

Fracture  of  the  tuberosity  of  the  ischium  is  caused  by  falling 
upon  the  buttocks,  either  from  slipping  or  falling.  Tlie  symp- 
toms are  flatness  of  the  most  rounded  part  of  the  quarter,  crepitus 
in  manipulation,  swelling  of  the  soft  parts,  lameness.  All  that 
needs  be  done  is  to  apply  a  good,  stiff  charge  or  plaster  after  the 
subsidence  of  the  swelling  and  keep  quiet. 

When  fracture  of  the  acetabulum  occurs,  the  case  is  a  hopeless 
one.  It  is  caused  by  kicks,  falls,  blows,  and  by  muscular  con- 
traction. The  limb  can  scarcely  be  moved  at  all,  the  foot  rests 
upon  the  toe,  or  is  not  phiced  to  the  ground  at  all;  the  limb  is 
shorter  than  its  fellow\    There  is  great  pain  and  crepitus. 

INFERIOR  MAXILLA. 

Falling  may  fracture  either  the  inferior  or  pre-maxilhi.  The 
direction  of  the  fracture  i^  longitudinal,  involving  the  alveolar 
cavities  of  the  incisor  teeth,  and  terminating  in  the  maxillary 
space,  01  oblicjuely  from  the  center  outwards,  through  the  neck 
of  one  or  both  rami. 


160  THE    STOCK    OWNEe's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — Eemove  loose  teeth  and  bone,  bring  the  parts 
in  position,  and  secure  by  means  of  copper  wire,  bound  firmly 
around  the  incisor  teeth.  If  the  animal  be  a  male  the  tushes  may 
be  included  in  the  wire.  Apply  a  calico  bandage,  and  support  the 
patient  with  liquid  food  for  several  days,  fed  from  a  shallow 
vessel.    Recovery  takes  place  in  a  very  short  time. 

Lower  Jaw. — The  lower  jaw  is  often  injured  by  the  bit,  espe- 
cially if  a  230werful  curb  bit  is  used  and  the  animal  hard  to  re- 
strain. There  will  be  a  dribbling  of  saliva,  swelling  of  the 
mucous  membrane,  and  pain.  The  animal  shies  when  the  mouth 
is  touched;  difficult  mastication;  perhaps  hemorrhage  from  the 
mouth. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  diseased  bones,  feed  on  soft  diet, 
and  clean  the  w^ound  occasionally.  If  the  wound  is  discharging 
fetid  material,  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid  should  be  used. 

Fracture  of  the  rami  of  the  lower  jaw  is  generally  caused  by 
falling.  Mastication  is  rendered  difficult,  or  even  impossible. 
There  will  be  swelling  and  crepitation.  When  the  broken  ends 
of  the  bone  are  brought  together,  means  to  retain  them  in  their 
proper  position  must  be  resorted  to.  The  copper  wire  and  ban- 
dages already  referred  to  may  be  used;  but  if  the  fracture  is 
situated  posterior  to  the  tush,  something  more  than  this  is  re- 
quired. A  good  apparatus  for  holding  the  bones  together  is  the 
face  cradle  recommended  by  Professor  Varnell,  of  London.  It 
is  a  very  good  apparatus,  but  not  always  easy  of  access.  But  we 
must  not  despair  if  we  do  not  possess  any  other  splints  than  such 
as  may  be  made  at  the  time.  Thin  strijDS  of  bass-wood  acted  upon 
by  water  and  applied  to  the  parts  do  very  well;  gutta  percha  may 
be  moulded  to  the  parts  after  they  have  been  brought  together. 
The  animal  should  be  supported  on  liquid  foods,  and  the  case 
watched  to  see  that  reunion  takes  place  in  the  proper  manner. 

NASAL  BONES. 

This  fracture  occurs  rathef  frequently  from  runaway  horses 
coming  in  contact  with  hard  substances,  such  as  lamp-posts,  telo- 


FRACTURES    OP    BONES.  161 

graph  poles,  etc.  One  or  both  Lones  may  be  fractured.  Some- 
times the  bones  are  driven  into  the  nasal  sinuses,  and  more  or  less 
hemorrhage  ensues.  Bring  the  bones  into  position  and  apply  an 
adhesive  plaster  over  the  whole  fractured  surface.  If  the  bones 
are  driven  in,  wrap  a  chamois  skin  or  piece  of  selvyt  around  a 
probe  and  press  the  bones  into  position,  care  being  taken  to  re- 
move all  detached  pieces  of  bone.  If  they  do  not  remain  in  posi- 
tion, one  nostril  must  be  plugged. 

FRONTAL  BONES. 

Fracture  of  the  frontal  bones  takes  place  from  causes  similar 
to  those  of  the  nasal  bones,  and  is  generally  of  the  variety  known 
as  comminuted.  The  symptoms  are  a  raising  and  lowering  of 
the  bones  at  each  inspiration  and  expiration,  hemorrhage,  etc. 
The  treatment  requires  the  adhesive  plaster,  the  removing  of  the 
detached  pieces  of  bone,  etc.  It  is  best  sometimes  to  wait  a  few 
days  before  moving  the  diseased  bones. 

ORBITAL  PROCESS. 

This  is  fractured  by  external  violence,  and  sometimes  produces 
opacity  of  the  cornea.  Bring  the  bones  into  position,  apply  plas- 
ters, and  remove  the  small  portions  of  detached  bone. 

Fracture  of  the  internal  plate  of  the  frontal  bone  is  caused  by 
external  violence.  In  receiving  the  injury  the  animal  usually 
falls  to  the  ground,  remains  down  for  a  few  minutes,  then  gets 
up  and  appears  all  right,  but  in  a  few  days  brain  symptoms  are 
presented. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  patient  quiet  and  endeavor  to  raise  the 
bone.  Use  cooling  food  and  cold  applications  to  the  seat  of  in- 
jury.    The  prognosis  is  unfavorable. 

PARIETAL. 

Fracture  of  the  parietal  bones  occasionally  occurs,  and  death 
results.    The  operation  of  trephining  and  removing  the  piece  of 
11  ... 


162  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

bone  that  is  pressing  npon  the  brain  is  not  attended  with  as  much 
success  in  veterinary  patients  as  it  is  in  human  practice.  Wher- 
ever there  is  evidence  that  a  bone  is  pressing  upon  the  brain  we 
should  cut  down,  trephine,  and  remove  it  if  necessary.  This 
operation  should  be  left  to  a  surgeon. 


X. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 

Diseases  of  the  bones  are  classed  under  two  heads — inflamma- 
tory and  non-inflammatory — but  the  line  of  demarcation  is  not 
very  well  defined.  The  process  of  inflammation  takes  place  in 
bone  the  same  as  in  soft  tissues.  On  making  a  section  of  a  bone 
compact  and  cancellated  tissue  is  found.  The  compact  tissue  con- 
tains the  Haversian  canals, conveying  blood  plasma  to  the  lacunae. 
In  this  manner  this  portion  of  the  bone  receives  its  supply  of 
nutritious  material  from  the  blood;  without  this  arrangement  the 
bony  structure  could  not  receive  nutrition.  It  will  be  seen  that 
the  compact  bone  is  abundantly  provided  with  vessels,  entering 
from  numerous  points,  covered  by  periosteum  and  endosteum; 
that  the^e  nutrient  vessels  are  exceedingly  small;  in  conse(pience 
of  this  the  inflammatory  process  is  very  distinct  and  the  symp- 
toms very  acute.  Inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  bone  is 
termed  ostitis.  Superficial  ostitis  is  often  associated  with  perios- 
titis, or  inflammation  of  the  periosteum.  In  fact,  the  bone  and 
periosteum  are  so  closely  related  t]\iit  inflammation  of  the  one 
will  involve  the  other.  The  first  effect  of  inflammation  is  to  in- 
crease the  size  of  the  Haversian  canals,  which  become  more 
irregular  in  size  and  outline.  The  earthy  salts  are  partially  re- 
moved, and  their  place  is  filled  by  the  products  of  inflammation. 
An  external  swelling  makes  its  appearance;  the  vessels  of  the 
periosteum  and  soft  parts  becoming  involved,  throw  out  a  deposit 
upon  the  surface  of  the  bone.  This  exudate,  as  a  rule,  becomes 
converted  into  bone,  leaving  the  parts  permanently  altered  in 
shape  and  appearance,  or  it  may  become  absorbed  before  it  is 
ossified  and  the  parts  regain  their  former  condition.  "When 
ossific  matter  is  thrown  out  it  is  called  exostosis,  meaning  bony 
deposit,  as  splint,  spavins,  sore  shins,  etc.    This  exudate  is  at  first 

(163) 


164  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

of  a  gelatinous  condition,  forming  a  coagulum  like  the  white  of 
an  egg;  then  it  becomes  a  soft,  flexible  cartilage,  and  nltimately 
forms  bone. 

Inflammation  ma}'  be  excited  by  many  causes,  but  the  most 
prolific  cause  is  injury,  either  direct  or  indirect.  It  is  also  pro- 
duced by  constitutional  tendency.  In  joints  the  articular  carti- 
lages are  often  destroyed  by  inflammation,  and  osseous  material 
is  thrown  out,  producing  anchylosis,  which  means  a  union  of  the' 
bones  composing  the  joint;  a  stiff  or  completely  immovable  joint 
is  the  result. 

OSTITIS  AND  PERIOSTITIS  OF  THE  METACARPAL  BONES,  OR 

SORE  SHINS. 

This  disease  affects  the  anterior  surface  of  the  metacarpal 
bones  of  young  animals.  It  is  more  commonly  seen  in  young 
race  horses,  under  four  years  old,  and  is  due  to  the  fact  that  they 
are  called  upon  to  perform  an  amount  of  work  at  an  age  when 
they  are  totally  unable  to  endure  the  shocks  of  concussion  risked 
by  such  work.  The  leg  with  which  the  animal  leads  in  the  gallop 
is  more  frequently  affected,  though  both  legs  may  be  affected. 
The  whole  shaft  of  the  bone  may  be  affected,  and  this  may  be  so 
excessive  as  to  cause  necrosis,  but  it  is  usually  circumscribed  and 
confined  to  the  lower  extremities. 

Symptoms. — Lameness  occurring  after  a  gallop;  slight  at  first; 
the  horse  is  rested  by  the  shifting  of  the  legs,  pointing  the  foot, 
if  only  one  is  affected;  fever,  increased  respiration,  swelling,  pain 
upon  pressure.  The  swelling  is  doughy  to  the  touch,  depending 
on  the  thickening  of  the  periosteum  and  on  the  presence  of  the 
subperiosteal  exudate. 

Active  treatment  must  be  emj^loyed  in  order  to  prevent  necro- 
sis. If  of  an  acute  nature,  free  subcutaneous  incisions  through 
the  periosteum  should  be  employed;  this  will  relieve  pain  and  cut 
short  the  disease.  In  addition  to  this  warm  and  soothing  fomen- 
tation should  be  used,  succeeded  by  cold,  and  afterwards  by  a 
liniment  composed  of  equal  parts  of  ammonia,  turpentine,  and 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 


165 


linseed  oil,  or  one  part  of  biniodid  of  mercury  to  four  or  five  parts 
of  lard  may  be  used.  Keep  it  on  for  a  day  or  two  and  wash  off, 
repeating,  if  necessary,  in  a  few  days. 

SPLINTS. 

This  is  another  form  of  ostitis  and  periostitis,  affecting  the 
metacarpal  bones,  and  in  rare  instances  the  metatarsals.  It  is 
usually  situated  about  the  lower  portion  of  the  upper  third  of  the 
bone  and  on  the  in- 
ner side.  A  splint, 
when  not  causing 
lameness,  and  in  a 
jiosition  r  e  m  o  v  e  d 
from  either  articula- 
tion or  tendon,  is  not 
looked  upon  as  an  un- 
soundness; all  other 
forms  are  unsound. 
The  causes  of  splints 
are  concussion  and 
hereditary  predispo- 
sition, more  especially 
that  arising  from 
shape  and  form  of 
leg,  which  descends 
from  parent  to  oft'- 
spring.  Splints  are 
generally  found  in 
horses  newly  put  to  work  and  in  the  rotid  horse  or  lighter 
breeds.  They  do  not  always  produce  lameness.  If  of  the  sim- 
ple kind,  lameness  is  but  seldom  seen,  and  when  about  seven 
years  of  age  the  enlargement  disappears,  although  the  deposit 
may  have  been  of  considerable  size. 

Symptoms. — Lameness  may  precede   the  appearance  of  any 
swelling  or  deposit.     If  the  horse  walks  sound  and  drops  deci- 


Fig.  32— Splints. 


166  THE    STOCK    OWKEr's    ADVISER. 

dedly  in  the  trot  on  the  sound  limb,  manipulate  the  j^arts  to 
detect  a  deposit.  Concussion  applied  will  increase  lameness,  as 
will  continued  use.  Tap  on  the  parts  and  he  will  flinch;  trot  him 
immediately  afterwards,  and  the  lameness  is  increased. 

Treatment. — Unless  the  splint  is  actually  producing  lameness, 
it  should  be  let  alone,  except  where  it  is  of  great  size,  causing  an 
"eye  sore."  It  may  be  cut  down  upon  and  the  enlargement  re- 
moved by  the  bone  spoon.  In  all  cases  a  purgative  must  be  used; 
give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  Apply  cold  water  freely  for  an  hour 
at  a  time,  and  use  the  unguentum  hydrarg.  biniodid,  one  to  four 
ounces,  or  the  ungt.  cantharides,  one  to  four,  may  be  used.  The 
hair  is  to  be  clipped  off  the  part  and  the  ointment  applied  with 
friction.  Several  applications  may  be  required.  A  seton  passed 
over  the  splint,  and  allowed  to  remain  several  weeks,  is  an  excel- 
lent remedy.  It  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  to  fire.  After 
heating  the  iron,  pass  the  point  right  into  the  osseous  enlarge- 
ment. Periosteotomy  is  often  attended  with  good  results.  The 
operation  is  very  simple,  and  consists  of  making  an  incision, 
through  the  skin.  Through  the  opening  thus  made  the  perioste- 
otomy knife  is  inserted,  and  the  periosteum  covering  the  splint 
is  incised  and  pressure  is  relieved.  Such  operations  should  be  per- 
formed by  a  surgeon.  The  above  described  ointment  will  soon 
remove  all  lameness,  and  should  be  used  in  preference  to  the 
operations. 

SCROFULOUS  OSTITIS. 

Scrofulous  ostitis  is  found  in  all  young  animals  of  a  few  days 
or  weeks  old. 

Causes. — Scrofulous  ostitis  is  caused  by  an  insufficient  supply 
of  mother  milk  to  the  youne;  animal — lono'  fastinc;,  as  in  cases 
where  the  mother  is  put  to  work  soon  after  the  birth  of  the  foal, 
and  allowed  to  suckle  her  young  only  two  or  three  times  a  day. 
It  may  be  due  also  to  a  naturally  weak  constitution,  or  in  rearing 
the  foal  on  cow's  milk.  Foals  gotten  by  horses  that  serve  a  large 
number  of  mares  often  suffer  from  this  disease. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES.  167 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  is  a  dribbling  of  urine  from  the 
umbilical  cord.  The  patient  will  be  still  lame  in  one  or  more 
joints;  the  affected  parts  are  swollen,  hot  and  tender;  the  respira- 
tion is  hurried,  the  joints  enlarge  and  suppurate,  and  the  dis- 
charge is  complicated  with  open  joint;  abscesses  form  on  various 
parts  of  the  body,  the  patient  loses  flesh,  is  unable  to  rise,  and 
dies  a  miserable  death. 

Treatment. — It  may  possibly  be  overcome  in  some  cases.  The 
system  should  be  toned  up.  Attention  must  be  paid  to  the  state 
of  the  digestive  organs.  Four  ounces  of  castor  oil,  with  two 
drachms  of  carbonate  of  soda,  may  be  given;  lime  water  may  be 
used  in  the  milk.  Care  must  be  taken  to  see  that  the  patient 
suckles  its  mother  sufficiently  often,  and  if  he  be  unable  to  stand, 
he  must  be  lifted  up.  The  mother  must  rest  from  work  and  be 
supplied  with  good  food.  If  she  has  not  sufiicient  milk,  the  defi- 
ciency must  be  supplied  with  cow's  milk.  The  patient  should  be 
kept  quiet,  and  the  parts  gently  stimulated,  etc. 

CARIES. 

Caries  is  an  ulceration,  or  death  of  bone  in  small  particles. 
Caries  may,  or  may  not,  be  accompanied  by  a  discharge.  As  a 
rule,  when  there  is  ulceration  of  bone,  with  a  discharge -of  pus,  it 
is  the  result  of  external  injury;  there  is  actual  death  of  a  layer 
of  bone.  The  discharge  is  very  offensive,  due  to  the  presence  of 
sulphureted  hydrogen.  On  going  to  the  bottom  of  a  sinus  the 
presence  of  a  carious  bone  may  be  at  once  detected  by  the  sense 
of  touch. 

Caries  commences  in  the  interior  of  a  l)ono  and  makes  its  way 
outward;  the  bones  acquire  a  red  liue,  tlic  articular  surface  be- 
coming soft;  the  laminal  layer  and  articular  cartilage  are  re- 
moved, exposing  the  cancellated  structure,  from  which  vascular 
processes  shoot  out  in  the  form  of  red  teat-like  granulations;  the 
surface  of  the  opposing  bone,  forming  the  articulation,  becomes 
similarly  diseased,  the  granulations  from  the  one  bone  coalesce 
with  those  from  the  other  and  form  a  vascular  connection  be- 


168  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

tween  the  interior  of  both  bones.    In  this  manner  the  process  of 
an  anchylosis  is  commenced. 

Treatment. — Cut  down  upon  and  expose  the  diseased  struc- 
ture; scrape  the  diseased  bone  until  all  carious  portions  are  re- 
moved. Where  extensive  disease  exists,  scraping  with  the  bone- 
spoon  will  rarely  suffice.  In  such  case  a  portion  of  bone  must  be 
removed  by  means  of  the  bone  forceps  or  bone  saw,  after  which 
the  parts  may  be  touched  with  diluted  hydrochloric  acid.  If  the 
presence  of  caries  in  an  articulation  be  suspected,  the  treatment 
should,  of  course,  be  different.  If  it  exists  in  a  true  hock  joint,  a 
cure  cannot  be  effected,  but  if  in  a  gliding  articulation  the  treat- 
ment consists  in  hastening  the  process  of  anchylosis.  Give  rest 
and  use  the  actual  cautery.  Red  iodide  of  mercury,  one  part  of 
lard  to  five  parts  of  mercury,  may  be  used. 

NECROSIS. 

Definition  is  death  of  bone.  It  corresponds  to  mortification  of 
the  soft  structures,  and  is  distinct  from  caries,  as  mortification 
is  from  ulceration.  Xecrosis  is  due  in  a  large  majority  of  cases  to 
injury,  either  directly  or  indirectly  received,  and  is  very  rarely 
due  to  constitutional  disturbance.  The  necrosed  portion  presents 
a  white,  waxy  appearance,  sonorous  when  struck  by  a  probe;  ex- 
posed to  the  atmosphere,  before  separation,  it  becomes  changed 
in  color.  If  the  skin  should  be  uncut,  an  abscess  soon  forms, 
which,  if  left  alone,  discharges  itself;  if  the  ulcer  is  examined 
with  a  probe,  the  bone  will  be  found  bare  and  perhaps  loose.  The 
abscess  does  not  heal  until  the  loose  portion,  called  an  exfoliation, 
is  removed;  in  fact,  there  is  now  a  fistulous  communication  be- 
tween the  dead  bone  and  the  atmosphere. 

Free  vent  must  be  given  to  the  pus,  which  is  curdy  in  consist- 
ence, and  when  the  bone  is  found  to  be  loose  should  be  remoA-ed 
by  the  forceps. 

!N^ecrosis  is  often  seen  in  connection  with  the  lower  jaw.  It 
sometimes  affects  the  shafts  of  the  long  l)ones,  more  especially  the 
metacarpals,  metatarsals,  and  scapula. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES.  169 

Symptoms. — Swelling.  After  awhile  there  is  a  discharge  from 
the  affected  part,  and  an  abscess  is  formed,  at  which  time  the  dead 
bone  is  separating  from  the  living.  There  is  a  discharge  of  curdy 
pus  with  fetid  odor.    The  wound  does  not  heal. 

Treatment. — Enlarge  the  opening  from  which  the  pus  is  flow- 
ing, and  with  the  fingers  or  forceps  remove  the  dead  portion  of 
bone. 

The  same  treatment  will  apply  to  necrosis  wherever  found. 
If  it  occurs  in  the  weight-bearing  bones,  the  treatment  is  more 
tedious.  The  animal  should  be  properly  cared  for  by  having 
good  food,  comfort,  and  cleanliness. 

ABSCESS  OF  BONE. 

The  formation  of  abscess  in  the  substance  of  a  bone  is  of  rare 
occurrence.  In  long-continued  cases  of  lameness,  with  enlarge- 
ment of  a  bone,  a  surgeon  should  open  the  enlarged  portion  by  a 
trephine,  the  probabilities  being  that  he  will  find  pus.  It  is  gen- 
erally necessary  to  cast  the  patient,  make  a  careful  incision  on 
the  diseased  bone,  avoiding  injury  to  important  blood  vessels  and 
nerves,  dividing  of  their  long  axis,  separating  all  the  soft  tissues 
from  the  bone  before  the  trephine  is  applied,  and  finally  washing 
out  the  abscess  with  water,  in  which  a  small  quantity  of  pure 
carbolic  acid  has  been  dissolved. 

RICKETS. 

The  term  rickets  is  used  to  denote  an  unnatural  softness  of  the 
osseous  system  in  young  animals.  It  is  due  to  a  deficiency  of 
earthy,  and  an  excess  of  animal,  material  in  the  bone.  Rickets 
may  be  seen  in  foals,  calves,  and  young  dogs,  more  especially 
young  spaniels  and  pointers.  In  foals  and  calves  the  metacarpal 
bones  are  those  which  bend  first;  in  dogs,  the  lower  third  of  the 
humerus,  giving  to  the  dog  a  dwarf-like  api)earancc.  When  the 
bones  of  the  posterior  extremities  are  affected,  the  toes  are  turned 
outward,  the  hocks  inward. 

Kickets  appear  when  the  j)ati('nt  is  a  few  weeks  or  months  old, 


170  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

caused  by  constitutional  debility,  scrofulous  diathesis,  or  by  ex- 
ternal and  preventible  causes.  Thus  we  find  it  in  calves  which 
are  not  allowed  to  suckle  their  mothers;  in  foals  when  mothers 
are  taken  to  work  during  the  day  and  their  offspring  allowed  to 
suckle  perhaps  every  morning  and  night,  or  at  most  three  times 
a  day;  young  animals  fed  on  artificial  food  in  time  of  milk  and 
kept  without  exercise. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  must  be  both  local  and  constitu- 
tional; to  be  successful  it  must  be  energetic  and  persevering,  re- 
gardless of  trouble  until  a  cure  is  affected,  or  it  becomes  plain 
that  the  case  cannot  be  treated  successfully.  If  the  milk  of  the 
mother  is  suspected,  this  may  be  remedied  by  changing  or  in- 
creasing her  food,  and  giving  her  alteratives  and  tonics.  The 
mother  should  take  three  drachms  of  sulphate  of  iron,  pow- 
dered gentian,  three  drachms,  in  the  feed  night  and  morning. 
If  the  bowels  are  irregular,  six  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  admin- 
istered; if  acidity  of  the  stomach  be  present,  lime  water  and  lin- 
seed oil,  or  castor  oil,  may  be  used.  The  limbs  should  be  sup- 
ported by  sticking  a  strong  piece  of  canvas  around  a  strong  splint 
and  lacing  it  around  the  limb.  Care  should  be  taken  that  the 
splint  does  not  chafe  the  limb  in  any  way.  The  splint  of  wood 
should  be  applied  to  the  concave  aspect  of  the  curve,  taking  care 
that  it  is  of  sufficient  length  to  reach  the  unbent  portions  of  the 
limbs,  both  above  and  below  curves.  Keep  the  patient  in  a  nice, 
level  paddock,  and  give  food  that  tends  to  make  bone,  as  bones  to 
a  dog  and  oatmeal  to  foals. 

MOLLITIES  OSSIUM. 

Definition. — An  abnormal  softening  of  bone^  due  to  the  pres- 
ence of  a  largely  preponderating  quantity  of  animal  matter  and  a 
correspondingly  small  amount  of  earthy  material  within  the  bone 
substance. 

Symptoms. — There  may  be  observed  difficulty  in  mastication, 
which  gradually  becomes  well  marked  as  the  disease  progresses. 
The  bones  become  enlarged  and  take  on  a  soft  and  cartilaginous 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES.  iTl 

character;  there  may  also  be  a  discharge  which  is  usually  profuse 
and  of  a  very  offensive  character. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  means  known  by  which  a  cure  can 
be  effected. 

FRAGILITAS  OSSIUM 

Is  an  unnatural,  hard,  and  fragile  condition  of  the  bones,  due 
to  fatty  degeneration  of  the  animal  basis  and  to  the  presence  of  an 
undue  quantity  of  earthy  material. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  chiefly  affects  old  horses.  Bad  thriv- 
ers,  with  small  articulations,  badly-formed  hocks  and  knees,  and 
round  pasterns,  are  subject  to  it.  The  animal  moves  stiffly  and 
may  have  a  roached  back;  he  shows  a  tendency  to  ring-bone, 
spavin,  etc.  "When  down,  he  has  difficulty  in  getting  up.  If  such 
an  animal  be  cast,  or  fall,  fracture  of  some  of  the  bones  is  an 
almost  sure  result. 

Treatment. — Like  the  previous  condition,  it  is  incurable  and 
useless  to  treat. 

OSTEO  POROSIS. 

This  is  a  non-malignant  disease  of  bone  and  of  a  non-inflamma- 
tory type.  It  is  commonly  known  as  ''big-head."  It  consists  of  a 
porous  condition  of  the  bone,  which  is  increased  in  size  without 
proportional  increase  in  weight.  It  prevails  most  extensively  in 
the  great  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  in  the  States  of  Tennessee, 
Arkansas,  Mississippi,  Louisiana,  and  Alabama.  As  we  recede 
from  the  great  river  and  its  influences,  it  gradually  diminishes, 
yet  isolated  cases  may  be  found  throughout  the  country,  from  the 
Atlantic  to  the  plains  of  the  far  west,  and  from  the  Ohio  and  the 
Potomac  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

As  a  rule,  the  bones  of  the  face  are  the  first  to  suffer;  but  this 
is  liable  to  exceptions.  The  animal  in  most  instances  shows  a 
defective  action,  perhaps,  in  one  joint  or  limb  only^  in  which, 
upon  examination,  tenderness  will  be  evinced  with  heat,  and  in  a 
few  days  visible  enlargomont.  In  a  course  of  a  week  another  limb 
may  become  affected  in  the  same  way,  when  the  acute  symptoms 


172 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


of  the  first  attack  perhaps  have  partially  passed  off.  In  this  way 
all  four  extremities,  one  after  the  other,  eventually  become  dis- 
eased. On  being  led  out  of  the  stable  the  animal  steps  short, 
flexes  his  limbs  with  difficulty  and  apparently  with  much  pain; 
the  joints  are  hotter  than  natural,  slightly  swollen,  and  tender 
when  pressed  upon.    On  turning  the  horse  around  or  moving  him 

in  a  backward  direction, 
a  decidedly  rigid  state 
of  the  loins  is  obser\'ed, 
and  usually  pain  is 
evinced  b  y  pressing 
upon  the  back.  On  ex- 
amining the  head,  the 
fitcial  region  will  look 
round.  Each  ramus  of 
the  lower  jaw,  upper 
maxillary  and  nasal 
bones  are  usually  en- 
larged, and  pressure 
upon  them  causes  pain. 
The  mucous  membrane 
of  the  mouth,  the  nasal 
chamber,  and  chambers 
of  the  eyes  are  paler 
than  natural. 

Osteoporosis,  in  symp- 
toms and  pathology,  is 
closely  related  to  rheumatoid  arthritis  and  fa.tty  degeneration  of 
the  bones.  The  disease  is  no  doubt  due  to  the  same  cause  that  pro- 
duces rheumatism  of  the  joints.  The  various  chemical  changes  of 
the  bones,  termed  disease,  are  no  doubt  due  to  one  and  the  same 
cause.  They  received  their  name  from  chemical  changes  pre- 
sented at  certain  stages  of  the  disease;  hence  the  disease  is  first 
rheumatoid  arthritis,  or  rheumatism  of  the  articular  joints,  and 
later  we  have  softening  of  the  bone  and  enlargement  of  the  head, 


Fig.  33— Osteo  Porosis,  or  Big  Head. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 


173 


known  as  osteo  porosis.  This  disease  is  essentially  a  disease  of 
growth,  and  in  this  particular  it  resembles  rickets.  It  is  seldom 
seen  in  horses  over  twelve  years  of  age. 

Causes. — The  causes  producing  this  disease  have  been  a  mys- 
tery. It  prevails  most  extensively  in  low-lying  lands  and  in 
damp  places.  All  classes  of  horses,  mules,  ponies,  sheep,  and 
cattle,  no  matter  how  fed  and  treated,  get  the  disease  in  certain 
localities  and  under  certain  conditions.     I  have  been  unable, 


Fig.  ?A — Osteo  Porosis. 
Side  view.    The  dotted  lines  show  the  enlargement. 

after  thorough  investigation,  to  trace  the  cause  of  the  disease  to 
feed.  The  water  and  feed  may  be  predisposing  causes,  but  they 
will  not  jjroduce  the  disease  in  themselves.  The  symptoms  are 
more  aggravated  during  the  winter  months,  and  the  disease  is 
more  prevalent  where  stables  are  located  on  low,  marshy  land. 

For  the  last  five  years  the  disease  has  prevailed  to  a  consid- 
erable extent  at  Lambert's  Point,  Virginia.  This  point  of  land 
lies  on  the  Elizabeth  River,  only  a  few  miles  from  Hampton 
"Roads-     "With  but  few  exceptions  the  farms  on  this  point  have 


174 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


had  cases  jiresenting  symptoms  of  rheumatism.  On  one  farm 
every  young  horse  brought  there  has  become  similarly  diseased. 
Out  of  twenty-one  cases  presenting  symptoms  of  rheumatism, 
that  came  under  my  observation  in  this  locality,  only  seven 
developed  big-head.  Some  of  this  number  were  treated  three 
and  four  years  ago,  and  are  now  well.  Some  that  were  not  able 
to  stand  without  the  aid  of  slings  have  made  good  recovery,  and 
never  showed  enlargement  of  the  bones  of  the  head.     It  is  first 

noticed  fi'om  lifting  the 
foot  in  pain,  while  standing 
in  the  stable;  later  there 
will  be  lameness  in  one 
or  more  joints,  shifting 
from  one  joint  to  the  other, 
and  ultimately  there  will 
be  enlargement  of  the  head. 
This  period  may  extend 
over  a  year.  Those  cases 
with  big-head  yielded  to 
treatment  as  readily  as 
others  that  showed  no  en- 
largement of  the  head. 

One  case,  that  had  big- 
head,  had  shown  symptoms 
of  lameness  of  the  joints  for 
some  time,  and  was  not 
treated.  During  the  night,  and  while  in  her  box  stall,  there  was 
rupture  of  the  internal  lateral  and  capsular  ligament  of  the  knee 
joint.  She  was  destroyed,  and  the  post-mortem  revealed  the  fol- 
lowing condition  of  parts:  From  the  upper  part  of  the  cannon 
bone  its  periosteum  was  removed,  and  the  bone  was  darkened  with 
small  detached  pieces.  The  periosteum  of  the  long  bones  near  the 
joints  could  be  easily  removed.  The  long  bones  were  not  soft; 
they  were  firm  enough  externally,  but  on  section  were  found  to 
be  thinner  than  normal.    The  cartilage  of  some  of  the  joints  was 


Fig.  35 — Osteo  Porosis. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  BONES. 


175 


partially  removed,  while  others  appeared  normal.  The  cartilage 
of  the  hip  joint  was  pale  yellow  in  color.  The  quantity  of  syno- 
via in  the  joints  was  small.  This  same  condition  exists  in  rheu- 
matoid arthritis.  Several  small  growths  were  found  in  the  joints, 
some  cartilaginous  and  others  bony  in  their  character.  This 
condition  is  also  present  in  rheumatoid  arthritis. 

The  bones  of  the  jaw  were  considerably  hypertrophied  and  of 
a  pink  color.  The  periosteum  could  be  scraped  oft"  with  ease. 
On  pressing  upon  the  bone,  blood  would  ooze  from  its  surface. 
The  bones  here  were  soft. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  the  cases  above  mentioned 
consisted  of  six  drachms  of  aloes  every  third  or  fourth  day. 
Nitrate  of  potash  in  one-half-ounce  doses  should  be  given  in  the 
feed  three  times  a  day.  Drachm  doses  of  salicylate  of  soda 
should  be  given  in  the  feed,  along  with  the  potash,  night  and 
morning.  Xitrous  aether  in  ounce  doses  might  be  added  to  the 
first  three  or  four  doses. 

The  local  treatment  consists  of  liniments  to  the  affected  parts. 
The  animal  should  be  put  to  slow  work. 

OSTEO  SARCOMA. 

This  is  a  non-inflammatory  disease  of  bone,  and  is  defined  to 
be  a  fibro-plastic  degeneration  of  bone.  It  is  a  disease  of  a 
malignant  character,  and  is  seen  often  in  the  finer  bred  cattle, 
especially  in  the  duchess  strains. 

The  cause  of  this  disease  has  been  attributed  to  external  vio- 
lence in  some  cases,  but  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  all  cases  ot 
osteo  sarcoma  are  due  to  a  vegetable  parasite.  The  parasite 
causing  the  disease  is  known  by  the  name  actinomyces.  Tlie 
parasite  gets  into  the  mucous  membrane  in  connection  with  the 
teeth.  "Prof.  Williams  states  that  he  is  of  the  opinion  that  the 
causes  are  intrinsic  and  due  to  a  scrofulous  diathesis."  It  occura 
in  young  animals  mostly,  and  affects  steers  more  than  bulls. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  occurs  oftenest  in  the  lower  jaw.  A 
small  tumor  (  r  circumscribed  swelling  occurs  in  the  neighbor- 


176 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


hood  of  the  second  or  third  molar  teeth;  the  teeth  generally, 
after  a  time,  become  loose  and  fall  out.  At  first  the  animal 
experiences  no  inconvenience;  indeed,  it  seems  to  suffer  but  little 
throughout  the  various  stages  of  the  disease,  provided  the  teeth 
do  not  become  carious.  If  this  occur,  the  sufferings  of  the  ani- 
mal will  be  severe,  and  it  will  lose  flesh  from  inability  to  feed. 

Treatment. — If  taken  in  time  the  disease  can  be  cured.  If, 
however,  the  tumor  has  attained  a  considerable  magnitude,  the 
animal  should  be  prepared  for  market.  The  injury  does  not 
affect  the  quality  of  the  meat  for  food.  In  some  cases  a  surgical 
operation  may  be  necessary.  The  skin  must  be  dissected  from 
the  tumor,  and  the  tumor  and  the  diseased  portion  of  the  bone 
removed ;  after  which  scrape  with  the  bone  spoon  and  apply  car- 
bolic acid,  one  part  of  acid  to  four  parts  of  oil. 


XI. 
DISEASES  OF  JOINTS. 

The  diseases  of  the  joints  are  numerous  and  important,  more 
especially  when  their  varied  activity  is  taken  into  consideration. 
Joints  consist  of  bones,  articular  cartilage,  synovial  membrane, 
capsular  and  binding  ligaments,  fat,  blood  vessels,  and  nerves. 
They  are  divided  into  three  classes — the  immovable,  the  mova- 
ble, and  the  mixed.  It  is  only  with  the  two  latter  classes 
that  we  have  to  deal.  The  mixed  joints  are  simply  joined  to- 
gether by  powerful  binding  ligaments,  the  end  of  the  bones 
being  padded  with  fibro-cartilage.  This  simple  kind  of  articu- 
lation is  subject  to  but  one  form  of  disease,  chronic  inflamma- 
tion, causing  the  gradual  conversion  of  the  fibro-cartilaginous 
pad  into  bony  tissue.  In  this  manner  the  vertebral  column  of 
the  dorsal  region  is  converted  into  an  unyielding  structure,  im- 
pairing the  natural  movements  of  the  horse. 

Cause. — It  is  caused  by  placing  too  great  weight  upon  the 
back,  and  by  a  constitutional  diathesis.  The  bones  degenerate, 
becoming  fragile  and  liable  to  fracture  from  trivial  causes. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  this  disease  are  very  obscure; 
some  slight  stiffness  about  the  loins  may  be  observed.  There 
will  be  disinclination  to  lie  down,  with  more  or  less  shivering. 
Cart  horses  are  affected  more  frequently  than  any  other  class, 
but  it  is  sometimes  seen  in  Jiunters  and  hack  horses.  Horses 
suffering  with  this  disease  occasionally  present  symptoms  of  par- 
tial paralysis;  there  will  be  an  uncertain  gait,  crossing  the  hind 
legs,  and  reeling.  There  will  be  great  difilculty  in  backing,  ac- 
companied with  a  peculiar  and  sudden  quivering  elevation  of 
the  tail. 

Treatment. — Kest  the  animal  and  give  eight  drachms  of 
aloes.  Drachm  doses  of  the  tincture  of  belladonna  may  be  given 
12  (  177  ) 


178  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

three  times  a  day.  The  local  treatment  will  consist  of  fomenta- 
tion to  the  loins  and  the  application,  three  times  a  day,  of  equal 
parts  of  ammonia,  turpentine,  and  linseed  oil.  A  blister  made 
by  mixing  one  part  of  powdered  cantharides  to  six  of  lard  may 
be  used  with  advantage  in  some  cases.  It  should  be  applied, 
about  four  inches  wide  by  about  eighteen  inches  long,  to  the 
dorsal  spine  or  to  the  spine  that  is  aiTected.  It  should  be  washed 
off  at  the  end  of  twenty-four  hours  and  the  parts  greased  with 
lard. 

The  diathrodial  or  true  joints  are  divided  into  three  varie- 
ties— namely,  gliding  joints,  ball  and  socket  joints,  and  the 
hinged  joints.  The  gliding  joints  are  liable  to  inflammation  and 
ulceration  of  the  articular  surface.  The  bones  of  these  joints 
are  covered  by  cartilage  of  incrustation  and  the  cavity  lubricated 
by  synovia.  The  enarthrodia,  or  ball  and  socket  joints,  are  in 
the  lower  animals  seldom  diseased,  and  when  they  do  become 
diseased,  it  is  generally  from  a  rheumatoid  or  tubercular  dia- 
thesis. The  ginglymoid,  or  hinged,  joints  are  injured  from  with- 
out, and  produce  an  acute  and  chronic  inflammation  of  the  syno- 
vial membrane,  destruction  of  the  articular  cartilage,  caries, 
and  a  calcarious  deposit.  There  will  be  a  defective  secretion  of 
synovia,  a  dropsical  condition  of  the  articulation,  and  anchylosis. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SYNOVIAL  MEMBRANE,  OR  ACUTE 

SYNOVITIS. 

Any  true  joint  in  the  body  may  suffer  from  inflammation  of 
its  synovial  membrane,  but  some  are  more  liable  than  others.  In 
acute  synovitis  the  membrane  is  congested.  Its  surface  becomes 
dark  red  or  crimson  colored.  Its  secretion  is  checked,  and  later 
there  will  be  a  superalnindant  secretion  of  unhealthy  synovia, 
aqueous  in  its  character,  and  containing  flakes  of  lymph.  This 
exudation  of  lymph  is  confined  to  the  synovial  surface,  and  does 
not  extend  to  the  articular  cartilage.  In  severe  cases  suppura- 
tion may  take  place,  and  if  the  disease  is  not  arrested  ulceration 
of  the  cartilage  is  sure  to  follow. 

Cause. — Strains,    punctures,    rheumatic    poison,    deposits   of 


DISEASES    OF    JOINTS.  179 

tubercular  matter,  and  deposition,  in  and  around  the  joints,  of 
mineral  poison,  as  seen  in  horses  employed  in  smelting  works. 

SwMPTo.Ms. — Lameness  and  fever.  The  pulse  will  be  quick 
and  irritable,  sweats  bedew  the  body,  and  the  lameness  is  so  great 
that  the  animal  cannot  put  its  foot  to  the  ground.  The  aii'ected 
joint  soon  swells,  becoming  more  tense  in  the  later  stages.  There 
will  be  increased  heat  and  tenderness. 

Tkeatmext. — Every  means  should  be  employed  to  arrest  the 
disease  before  the  cartilage  becomes  involved,  or  it  will  be  in- 
curable. If  it  is  in  the  hock,  the  animal  should  be  placed  in 
slings.  Long  continued  and  repeated  fomentations  should  be 
applied  to  the  part,  and  a  weak  solution  of  opium  or  aconite  ap- 
plied to  soothe  the  ])arts.  Give  six  ounces  of  aloes,  and,  if  the 
pain  be  severe,  give  a  dose  three  times  a  day  of  an  ounce  of  tinc- 
ture of  opium.  If  the  pain  is  less  acute,  one  ounce  of  nitrous 
aether  may  be  given  twice  a  day.  Three  drachms  of  nitrate  of 
potas.  should  be  dissolved  in  his  drinking  water  morning  and 
night.  If  the  pulse  be  hard,  twenty  drops  of  aconite  may  be 
used.  If  these  remedies  fail  to  give  relief  in  the  course  of  a  few 
days,  a  blister  should  be  applied.  If  any  lameness  or  thickening 
of  the  joint  threatens  to  remain,  it  may  be  necessary  to  apply 
the  actual  cautery. 

CHRONIC  SCROFULOUS  SYNOVITIS. 

This  disease  is  confined  to  horned  cattle.  The  joints  most 
usually  affected  are  the  ell)ow  and  stifle  and  the  foot  joints  in 
cattle.  It  attacks  animals  of  all  ages,  but  generally  after  they 
are  three  years  old. 

Sympto:\is. — Lameness  without  swelling,  luit  later  swelling 
may  appear.  The  swelling  gradually  enlarges,  and  the  limb 
below  it  wastes  aw^ay.  In  some  cases  constitutional  symptoms  of 
scrofula  may  be  seen  at  the  outset  of  the  disease.  Scrofula  is 
hereditary,  and  on  its  appearance  in  a  herd  it  will  be  high  time 
to  infuse  new  blood  into  it. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  can  be  but  palliative.  There  is 
no  cure. 


180  THE    STOCK    OWJSEli's    ADVISEE. 


EHEUMATOID  ARTHRITIS. 


This  condition  of  the  synovial  membrane  is  probably  due  to 
the  peculiar  inflammation  which  has  been  termed  rheumatic 
gout,  or  chronic  rheumatic  arthritis.  The  disease  may  be  a  con- 
stitutional or  local  disorder;  the  constitutional,  originating  from 
exposure  to  cold  when  the  body  has  been  over-heated,  or  as  a 
sequel  to  rheumatic  fever;  the  local,  from  over-exertion  or  acci- 
dent. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  a  singular  rigidity  in  the  affected 
joints,  which,  when  first  moved,  emit  a  crackling  sound.  In 
some  cases  there  may  be  painful  spasms  of  the  muscles.  There 
will  be  swelling  around  the  affected  joints,  which  are  painful 
and  tender  to  the  touch.  The  synovial  bursae  in  connection  with 
the  affected  joints  is  frequently  found  distended,  and  synovial 
cysts  become  developed  in  the  areola  tissue,  having  no  commu- 
nication with  the  joint.  The  fluid  in  the  cysts  finally  becomes 
absorbed  and  converted  into  solid  tumors. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  can,  generally,  only  be  pallia- 
tive, and  is  chiefly  constitutional.  Nitrate  of  potash  in  three- 
draohm  doses  may  be  given.  Salicylate  of  soda  has  been  used 
with  good  results  in  some  cases.  The  bowels  should  be  regu- 
lated by  an  occasional  purgative,  the  animal  carefully  fed  and 
put  to  slow,  light  work.  The  patient  should  be  kept  in  a  com- 
fortable, dry  box,  and  a  liniment,  composed  of  equal  parts  of 
ammonia,  turpentine,  and  linseed  oil,  should  be  aj^plied  three  or 
four  times  a  day  to  the  diseased  joints. 

TRAUMATIC  INFLAMMATION  OF  JOINTS. 

An  open  joint,  when  occasioned  by  puncture  or  incision,  is  not 
at  first  attended  with  severe  local  or  constitutional  disturbance, 
but  in  about  ten  days  pain  comes  on  and  spreads  over  the  joint, 
which  soon  presents  a  considerable  amount  of  swelling.  The 
swelling  soon  becomes  hard  and  unyielding,  accompanied  by 
great  constitutional  disturbance;  the  pulse  is  frequent,  hard  and 


DISEASES    OF    JOINTS. 


181 


wirj,  sweats  bedew  the  body,  and  the  animal  evinces  acute  and 
agonizing  pain.  The  animal  cannot  put  the  foot  to  the  ground, 
keeping  it  almost  continually  in  a  state  of  motion.  The  dis- 
charge of  synovia  may  be  very  trifling  for  some  days  after  the 
accident,  but  it  generally  increases  as  the  inflammation  advances, 
is  thin  in  consistency  and  mixed  with  flakes  of  lymph.  The 
secretion  from  the  wound  finally  becomes  unhealthy  and  tinged 
with  blood,  while  abscesses  begin  to  form  around  the  articula- 
tion. The  fever  and 
debility  increases, 
and  if  not  arrested 
the  animal  dies. 

Treatment. — A  n 
eft'ort  should  first  be 
made  to  promote  the 
healing  of  the  wound 
by  first  intention. 
The  lips  of  the 
wound  should  b  e 
brought  together  by 
sutures.  All  foreign 
bodies,  such  as  dirt, 
gravel,  or  detached  tissue,  should  be  removed.  A  thin  paste  of 
spirit  varnish  and  iodoform  must  be  applied,  being  painted  on 
in  successive  layers.  Xext,  place  the  animal  in  slings.  All 
other  local  applications  should  be  withheld. 

Give  six  drachms  of  aloes,  to  be  followed  at  intervals  of  four 
to  six  hours  by  half-ounce  doses  of  tincture  of  opium  or  twenty 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite,  and  enemas  of  warm  water  will 
be  beneficial.  If  after  the  wound  heals  an  inflammation  still 
exists,  cold  water  should  be  applied  in  great  abundance.  If  this 
plan  of  treatment  does  not  seem  to  succeed,  a  blister  must  be 
used. 

If  inflammation  has  already  established  itself  and  pus  has 
commenced  to  form,  the  wound  should  not  be  plugged.    If  plug- 


Fig.  3(3— Open  Joint. 


182  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

ged,  the  flind  would  burst  out  at  some  other  place.  The  wound 
should  be  irrigated  with  a  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  one  to 
five  hundred  parts  of  water,  to  destroy  all  germs  that  may  have 
gained  entrance,  and  bandaged.  If  the  bandage  causes  no  incon- 
venience, it  should  be  allowed  to  remain  until  the  wound  heals. 
Experience  warrants  me  in  recommending  a  blister  applied  to 
the  whole  surface  of  the  joint.  The  coagulum  of  synovia  which 
accumulates  upon  the  wound  should  never  be  removed,  as  it  pre- 
vents the  admission  of  air  and  germs  to  the  wound.  If  the  pus 
is  of  a  sanious  or  fetid  character,  the  best  results  to  be  hoped 
for  is  anchylosis,  which  renders  the  animal  unfit  for  further  use. 
All  cases  of  open  joint  require  a  long  period  of  rest  after  the 
wound  has  healed,  and  it  is  generally  necessary  to  l)lister  re- 
peatedly, or  even  fire,  to  remove  the  inflammation.  The  food 
should  be  spare,  light,  and  cooling;  but  when  the  fever  has 
abated  it  should  be  more  nourishing. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  JOINT,  OR  HYDROPS  ARTICULORUM. 

This  disease  is  a  morbid  condition,  with  or  without  inflamma- 
tion, as  in  bog  spavin  and  its  analogues,  termed  wind  galls.  In 
this  affection  there  is  an  over-abundance  of  serous  synovia,  which 
distends  the  whole  joint  or  bursse.  There  is  generally  not  much 
lameness.  The  quantity  of  secretion  varies,  disappearing  and 
reappearing  on  exercise  or  rest.  Young  growing  cart  horses 
show  these  fluid  enlargements  about  the  hocks. 

The  treatment  is  the  application  of  blisters  and  pressure,  but 
this  will  be  again  referred  to  in  another  chapter. 

ANCHYLOSIS,  OR  THE  STIFFENING  OF  JOINTS. 

There  are  four  forms  of  anchylosis — osseous,  true  fibrous, 
ligamentous,  and  spurious.  True  anchylosis  is  complete  at  every 
part  of  the  joint,  as  in  some  ringbones  and  spavins.  All  trace 
of  the  articulation  is  lost,  and  the  bones  so  firmly  united  as  to 
appear  as  one  bone.    An  ulcerative  absorption  takes  place  in  the 


Dl.SKASES    OK    JOINTS. 


183 


bone,  and  an  exiida^^e  is  thrown  out,  which,  becoming  organized 
into  bony  matter,  cements  the  bones  together.  The  natural  ter- 
mination and  cure  for  bone  lamenesSj  snch  as  ringbone  and 
spavins,  is  anchylosis.  The 
fibrous  form  of  anchyh^sis 
is  where  the  surface  of  the 
opposing  bones  are  united 
by  fibrous  tissue.  The 
ligamentous  form  causes 
the  joint  to  be  stiff  and 
immovable,  whilst  the  ar- 
ticular surface  of  the 
bones  remains  healthy. 
Stiff  joints  in  old  horses 
are  examples  of  this.  The 
spurious  is  where  there 
is  a  deposit  in  the  struc- 
tures external  to  the  joint 
and  uniting  them  to  each 
other.  AVe  see  examples 
after  acute  inflannnation  of  the  joint,  rupture  of  the  suspensory 
ligament,  which  can  be  removed  after  exercising.  It  may  be  seen 
after  open  joint,  and  will  absorb  when  brought  into  use,  or  it 
may  require  repeated  applications  of  iodine  to  the  skin. 


Fig.  37— Anchylosis  of  Fetlock  Joint. 


XII. 

LAMENESS. 

How  Diagnosed. — First  determine  the  limb  in  which  the 
patient  is  lame.  Have  the  horse  trotted  from  and  towards  you. 
The  assistant  who  trots  the  horse  should  take  hold  of  the  reins 
about  two  feet  from  the  head  and  run  by  the  side  of  the  horse. 
Of  course,  there  are  many  lamenesses  that  can  be  diagnosed 
without  even  moving  the  horse;  at  the  same  time,  there  are 
many  other  cases  so  slight  in  degree  as  to  require  the  most  rigid 
scrutiny. 

If  the  lameness  be  in  one  of  the  fore  limbs,  the  patient  will 
drop  on  the  sound  limb.  If  there  is  well-marked  lameness,  the 
head  will  drop  in  a  marked  degree.  Do  not  make  your  diagnosis 
from  simply  having  the  horse  trotted  from  you.  In  such  case 
you  are  liable  to  mistake  a  lameness  of  the  off  fore  limb  for  that 
of  the  near  hind.  When  he  is  trotted  from  the  observer,  the 
quarter  seems  to  ascend  and  descend.  This  ascending  and  de- 
scending of  the  quarter  depends  upon  the  elevation  and  dropping 
of  the  head  and  body.  It  will  be  plainly  seen  when  the  horse 
returns  that  the  lameness  is  in  the  fore  limb.  The  lameness  may 
be  in  both  fore  limbs,  and  the  animal  seem  to  go  sound.  Ad- 
vantage of  this  has  been  taken  by  low  horse  dealers,  who,  when 
they  have  a  horse  lame  in  one  fore  foot,  make  him  lame  in  the 
other  also.  They  do  this  by  jilacing  a  small  piece  of  iron  tightly 
under  the  shoe  of  the  sound  foot,  and  by  paring  the  toe  of  the 
sound  foot  almost  to  the  quick.  A  horse  lame  in  both  fore  feet 
will  be  short  in  action;  each  foot  will  be  quickly  lifted  up  and 
carefully  put  to  the  ground,  while  at  the  same  time  there  is  a 
peculiar  rolling  motion  of  the  body.  He  may  go  lame  in  one 
foot  as  he  goes  from  you,  and  in  the  other  as  he  approaches  the 

( 184  ) 


LAMEISTESS.  185 

observer.  There  is  a  peculiar  action  of  young  colts  that  must 
not  be  mistaken  for  lameness.  This  is  called  ''bridle  lameness." 
The  colt  may  appear  lame  in  the  near  fore  foot,  if  led  with  a 
short  rein  and  his  head  pulled  to  one  side,  or  when  he  is  first 
bitted.  If  run  in  a  slack  rein  it  will  disappear.  If  the  lameness 
be  in  the  hind  limb,  the  quarter  of  the  same  side  will  be  ele- 
vated, and  that  of  the  sound  side  thrown  forward  and  downward 
with  a  jerking  motion.  The  head  is  tolerably  steady  if  the  pain 
be  light,  but  there  will  be  a  decided  jerk  of  the  head  if  the  pain 
be  severe.  There  are  some  forms  of  lameness  which  are  appa- 
rent in  the  stable  only,  the  movement  of  half  a  dozen  steps  being 
sufficient  to  dispell  the  appearance  of  lameness.  It  is  therefore 
necessary  to  see  the  horse  in  the  stable  and  out  of  it.  A  horse 
lame  from  an  inflammation  of  the  bone,  as  in  spavin,  ringbone, 
will  warm  out  of  it.  In  the  early  stages  of  such  diseases,  a  walk 
of  a  hundred  yards  is  sufficient  to  remove  the  lameness.  Many 
low  dealers  will  knock  a  horse  around  in  the  stall  to  remove 
such  lameness.  There  are  some  lamenesses' which  are  only  mani- 
fested after  sharp  work,  and  in  such  cases  it  is  necessary  to  give 
the  horse  half  an  hour's  trot  or  gallop,  tying  him  afterwards  in 
a  stall  until  he  becomes  cool.  It  is  only  when  suspicion  exists 
that  this  test  need  be  applied.  Lamenesses  are  manifested  during 
repose,  as  in  many  foot  lamenesses.  For  example,  a  horse  will 
continually  point,  or  even  elevate,  the  foot  which  is  suffering 
pain;  if  in  both  feet,  each  foot  alternately  will  be  pointed  or 
elevated.  If  made  to  move,  the  extent  of  pain  does  not  seem 
equal  to  that  expressed  while  standing  still.  Some  horses  ex- 
hibit their  lameness  when  they  turn  round.  They  may  go  sound 
when  led  straight  to  and  from  the  observer,  l)ut  when  shaqoly 
turned  by  the  use  of  the  whip  they  at  once  manifest  their  un- 
soundness. Turn  the  animal  both  ways,  as  disease  may  not  be 
shown  when  the  animal  is  turned  one  way  only.  There  are 
cases  where  lameness  exists  in  two  or  more  limbs,  but  not 
equally;  when  such  is  the  case,  it  rccpiires  great  care  to  distin- 


186  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

guisli  its  true  nature.  Lameness  may  be  discovered  by  manipu- 
lation, or  by  visible  swelling  of  the  parts.  There  will  be  ob- 
served heat  and  swelling.  The  observer,  having  satisfied  himself 
as  to  which  leg  is  lame,  must  now  endeavor  to  find  out  its  cause 
and  location  in  the  particular  limb.  The  symptoms  of  lameness 
in  the  dift'erent  parts,  with  their  illustration,  causes,  and  treat- 
ment, will  be  given  in  the  following  pages. 


XIII. 
A  SPRAIN  OR  STRAIN. 

A  sprain  or  strain  is  violence  inflicted  upon  any  soft  structure, 
with  extension  and  often  rupture  of  its  fibers.  Strains  confined 
to  the  sheaths  of  tendons  only  are  not  as  serious  as  when  the  liga- 
ments and  tendons  themselves  arc  involved.  Muscular  strains 
are  found  in  various  parts  of  the  body,  and  are  produced  by 
various  causes.  AVhen  a  muscle  is  sprained,  the  injury  is  followed 
by  pain,  swelling,  heat,  and  loss  of  function.  The  swelling  of 
the  inflamed  muscle  is  often  succeeded  by  loss  of  substance,  as- 
suming a  form  like  whitish  threads  of  fat. 

Treatment. — Repose  and  soothing  applications,  succeeded  by 
slight  and  afterwards  stronger  irritants.  Purgatives  and  cooling 
diet  at  first,  followed  by  good  nursing. 

SHOULDER  SLIP. 

Shoulder  slip  is  the  name  used  by  professional  men  for  what 
is  more  commonly  termed  sweeny.  There  is  a  peculiar  outward 
slipping  movement  of  the  shoulder  joint.  It  would  almost  ap- 
pear as  if  the  shoulder  were  out  of  joint;  hence  the  term 
"shoulder  slip."  Tlus  peculiar  action  of  the  shoulder  is  caused 
by  the  external  muscles  losing  their  contractile  power.  An 
injury  to  the  muscles  sets  up  an  inflammatory  action,  which  re- 
sults in  atrophy  of  the  muscles. 

Cause. — It  may  be  caused  in  various  ways,  by  direct  or  indi- 
rect injury.  It  is  most  commonly  seen  in  young  horses,  whose 
undeveloped  muscles  are  more  susceptible  to  injury  than  those 
of  a  mature  horse.  It  may  be  caused  by  putting  the  horse  to 
work  too  soon.  The  plongh  is  a  very  frequent  cause.  Jars, 
jerks,  jolts,  hruises,  concussion,  or  any  injury  to  the  shoulder 
will  produce  the  disease. 

(187) 


Fig.  38— The  Walk  in  Shoulder  Lameness     Showing  the  up- 
lifting of  shoulder  and  whole  limb,  during  extension. 


Fig.  39 — Shoulder  Lameness. 


(188) 


A   SPKAIN   OK   STKAIN.  189 

Symptoms. — In  some  cases  there  will  be  heat  and  swelling 
over  the  course  of  the  muscles  on  the  outer  surface  of  the 
scapula  or  shoulder  blade,  and  in  the  joint  itself;  but  in  the  ma- 
jority of  cases,  lameness  does  not  appear  until  there  is  consid- 
erable wasting  of  the  muscles.  There  will  be  the  unnatural 
bulging  of  the  shoulder,  as  mentioned  before,  and  a  hollow  space 
upon  either  side  of  the  scapular  spine,  extending  its  whole 
length.  The  muscles  involved  are  the  antea  spinatus,  postea 
spinatus,  and  teres  exturnus,  and  sometimes  the  flexor  brachii. 

Treatment. — Rest,  hot  and  cold  applications,  followed  with 
a  liniment  composed  of  equal  parts  of  aqua  ammonia,  turpen- 
tine, and  linseed  oil  every  four  hours.  It  may  be  necessary  to 
use  a  strong  blister  of  cantharides  of  usual  strength.  Setons  are 
highly  recommended,  but  my  experience  has  been  that  where 
the  atrophy  is  not  too  great,  the  above  treatment  is  the  best 
course  to  pursue.  It  will  take  six  weeks  or  two  or  three  months 
for  the  muscles  to  develop.  When  the  muscles  begin  to  appear, 
give  light  exercise,  as  in  a  buggy.  Low  horsemen  make  a  little 
opening  and  blow  air  into  the  areolar  tissue,  which  gives  the 
shoulder  a  normal  appearance.  Shoulder  slip  constitutes  an  un- 
soundness. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  SHOULDER  JOINT 

May  arise  from  various  causes,  but  it  is  not  a  frequent  seat  of 
lameness.  If  the  disease  is  not  checked,  the  capsular  ligament 
becomes  changed,  distended  with  synovia;  the  removal  of  the 
articular  cartilage  ultimately  ends  in  anchylosis  of  the  joint. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  carries  the  limb  with  a  rotary  mo- 
tion, the  limb  being  thrown  outwards  and  the  toe  made  to  form 
the  segment  of  a  circle.  In  some  cases  the  toe  of  the  foot  is 
dragged  or  trailed  on  the  ground.  (See  Fig.  39.)  There  will  be 
pain  in  raising  the  foot  from  the  ground.  AVhen  standing  the 
foot  of  the  afflicted  limb  is  held  a  little  behind  the  sound  one. 
On  extending  the  limb  the  animal  will  rear.  The  parts  should  be 
extended  and  the  animal  trotted  out  immediately,  when  usually 
the  lameness  is  increased.     The  lameness  will  d?Ci"ease  by  exer- 


190  THE    STOCK    OW^'EK's    ADVISER. 

cise.  There  will  be  inflammation  and  perhaps  swelling  of  the 
parts.  The  animal  stumbles  and  strikes  his  toe  against  little 
objects,  and  if  urged  to  step  over  an  elevation  of  any  size  he  will 
refuse  to  do  so. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOR  BRACHII 

Gives  rise  to  a  lameness  which  is  frequently  mistaken  for 
shoulder-joint  lameness.  The  muscle  will  be  found  swollen  and 
inflamed,  standing  out  prominently  from  the  surrounding  parts. 
This  swelling,  along  with  that  of  the  bursa  in  front  of  the 
shoulder,  pain  upon  pressure,  and  the  gait  peculiar  to  shoulder 
lameness  are  the  diagnostic  symptoms. 

Treatment  is  the  same  as  for  that  of  shoulder  lameness.  A 
high-heeled  shoe  should  be  used,  oft-repeated  and  long-continued 
fomentations,  and  the  application  three  times  a  day  of  a  lini- 
ment composed  of  spirits  of  camphor  a  half  pint,  iodine  tincture 
two  ounces.  In  severe  cases,  mercury  red  iodide,  one  part  of 
mercury  to  five  of  lard. 

SEROUS   ABSCESSES— FIBROUS   TUMORS. 

These  enlargements  are  frequently  met  with  in  the  shoulder 
and  scapular  region.  They  usually  occur  as  a  result  of  direct 
injury.  Inflammation  is  set  up,  an  exudation  takes  place,  form- 
ing a  serous  abscess.  They  may  be  deep-seated  or  just  under 
the  skin.     In  some  cases  they  are  of  a  fibrous  nature. 

Symptoms. — The  ailment  is  usually  not  very  sore;  there  will 
be  fluctuation  on  manipulation.  There  is  but  little  heat.  If  a 
fibrous  tumor,  it  will  be  hard,  and  the  skin  will  be  rubbed  off 
from  the  use  of  the  collar  over  the  seat  of  the  tumor. 

Treatment. — Use  fomentations  and  poultices  to  allay  irrita- 
tion, and  then  open  the  abscess  freely  and  allow  the  serum  to 
escape.  The  abscess  should  be  kept  open  for  a  few  days,  and 
carbolic  acid,  one  part  to  forty  parts  of  water,  used  to  dress  the 
wound  twice  a  day.  Pressure  to  the  parts  is  beneficial,  and 
setons  are  recommended  by  some.     An  abscess  may  have  walls 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN.  l9l 

several  inches  thick.  Fibrous  tumors  are  to  be  removed  by  the 
knife.  The  wound  should  be  dressed  three  times  a  day  with  a 
solution  of  carbolic  acid,  one  part  of  acid  to  forty  parts  of  water. 
One  ounce  of  acetate  of  lead,  six  drachms  of  zinc  sulphate  to 
one  quart  of  water  may  be  used  as  a  dressing. 

Abscesses  sometimes  form  between  the  scapula  and  thoracic 
wall.  They  may  be  detected  by  swelling,  lameness,  and  heat  in 
front  and  below  the  jioint  of  the  shoulder.  The  limb  will  be 
pushed  outward  by  the  swelling.  The  pus  is  deep-seated  and 
requires  the  opening  of  the  abscess  before  the  usual  signs  of 
pointing  are  noticed.  A  directory  should  be  used  to  find  the 
seat  of  pus,  and  when  found  it  should  he  well  opened. 

ELBOW  LAMENESS 

Is  caused  by  injuries,  sprains  of  the  lateral  ligaments,  and  from 
rheumatism. 

Symptoms. — The  limb  is  semi-flexed  while  standing  still,  and 
there  will  be  excessive  dropping  of  the  head  and  anterior  part  of 
the  body  during  action.  If  the  ligaments  or  muscles  are  strained 
there  will  be  pain,  heat,  and  swelling.  When  the  internal  late- 
ral ligament  is  injured  the  horse  stands  with  the  foot  and  limb 
thrown  outwards.  If  the  triceps  muscle  is  the  seat  of  injury, 
the  forearm  is  flexed  upon  the  humerus. 

Treat.mext. — Fomentations  to  allay  the  irritation,  after 
which  apply  blisters.  Setons  are  highly  recommended  by  some. 
Give  rest  and  apply  a  high-heeled  shoe. 

CAPPED  ELBOW. 

We  mean  l)y  this  an  enlargement  of  the  olecranon,  due  to 
injury  of  some  kind. 

Cause. — The  most  common  cause  of  this  condition  is  the  con- 
tact of  the  elbow  with  the  shoe  when  the  animal  is  lying  down. 
The  unshod  hoof  will  produce  it,  and  it  may  be  caused  by  the 
belly-band  rubbing  the  elbow.     It  interferes  to  a  considerable 


192 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER 


extent  with  the  appearance  of  an  animal,  hnt  it  is  not  a  seriotis 
condition  by  any  means. 

Treatment. — If  of  recent  date,  and  the  bursa  but  little  en- 
larged, have  the  shoe  removed,  and  make  a  free  application  of 
hot  or  cold  water,  according  to  the  season  of  the  year — warm 
if  in  winter,  and  cold  if  in  the  summer  time.  If  consid- 
erable amount  of  effnsion  has  taken  nlace  the  parts  must  be 


Fig.  40 — Capped  Elbow. 

opened  freely.  Make  the  opening-  larger  than  the  size  of  a 
knife  blade.  Generally  there  will  be  shreds  lining  the  cavity, 
which  may  be  removed  by  inserting  the  finger  in  the  opening 
and  breaking  their  attachments.  If  the  enlargement  is  of  long 
standing  and  of  a  fibrous  nature,  it  should  be  carefully  dis- 
sected out.  In  such  cases  the  wound  heals  by  granulation,  and 
requires  considerable  time  to  heal.  This  is  due  to  the  fact  that 
the  part  is  one  of  extensive  motion,  and  the  injury  may  be  con- 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN.  193 

tiniiallj  aggravated  by  the  horse  lying  down.  Frequently  such 
cases  are  six  weeks  healing.  Small  wounds  in  connection  with 
the  elbow  frequently  give  rise  to  peculiar  symptoms.  A  very 
small  wound,  perhaps  so  small  that  it  would  escape  observation, 
may  be  inflicted  on  the  point  of  the  olecranon,  or  on  its  side,  or 
even  in  the  space  between  the  thoracic  wall  and  elbow;  and,  as  a 
result  of  motion,  air  is  pumped  into  the  subcutaneous  areolar 
tissue.  I  have  seen  the  head  and  neck  swollen  to  an  enormous 
extent.  Where  the  animal  Avas  kept  moving  for  some  time,  I 
have  seen  the  entire  body  swell  and  the  eyes  closed  by  the  swell- 
ing of  the  lids.  On  passing  the  hand  over  the  swelling  it  gives 
out  a  crackling  sound,  and  if  the  parts  be  tapped  there  will  be 
a  peculiar  drum  like,  dead  sound. 

Such  a  condition  need  occasion  no  alarm;  all  required  is  to 
find  the  wound,  clean  it  well  with  warm  water,  plug  it  up  with 
tow  dipped  in  collodion,  and  keep  the  animal  still.  In  a  short 
time  the  air  will  be  absorbed  and  the  swelling  disappear.  If  the 
nostrils  should  be  so  swollen  as  to  endanger  life  through  im- 
paired respiration,  it  will  be  necessary  to  puncture  the  skin  sur- 
rounding them;  but  such  procedure  is  generally  not  necessary. 

INJURIES  BELOW  THE  ELBOW. 

Injuries  in  this  region  are  by  no  means  uncommon.  Sprain 
of  the  radial  ligament  sometimes  occurs,  and  is  manifested  by 
lameness,  difficulty  in  flexing  the  knee,  swelling,  heat,  and  ten- 
derness immediately  above  the  knee,  posterior  to  radius.  There 
will  be  distension  of  the  bursa  of  the  tendon,  which  appears  as 
a  fluctuating  swelling  at  the  back  and  slightly  above  the  knee. 
In  some  cases  the  perforatus  and  perforans  muscles  are  in- 
volved. In  such  the  pain  and  swelling  is  extensive.  Flexion  is 
difficult,  owing  to  the  swollen  tendons  being  too  thick  to  play 
through  their  tliecae,  just  as  a  rope  too  thick  for  a  pulley  will 
not  play  easily.  The  tendons  of  the  various  muscles  concerned 
in  the  flexion  and  extension  of  the  limb  pass  through  thecal  upon 
10 


194 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


the  surface  of  the  carpus,  and  are  liable  to  injury  with  disten- 
sion  of   their  various  synovial   sheaths.      These   enlargements, 

when  arising  from  in- 
jury and  consequent 
thickening  of  the  ten- 
dons themselves,  or  in- 
flammation of  the  syno- 
vial membrane,  cause 
pain.  Mere  bursal  en- 
largements give  cause 
to  no  inconvenience. 

BURSAL  ENLARGE- 
MENTS 

In  connection  with  the 
knee  are  generally 
caused  by  an  injury, 
such  as  blows,  wearing 
a  yoke,  etc. 

Sy.mi'toms. — There  is 
first  more  or  less  swell- 
ing, which,  after  a  certain  length  of  time,  disappears,  leaving  a 
little  puffy  tumor.  This  cannot  be  considered  much  of  a  detri- 
ment, but  looks  badly. 

Treatment. — ^Remove  the  exciting  cause  and  give  the  animal 
a  rest.  Cold  water  should  be  applied  freely,  in  conjunction  with 
three  or  four  hours'  pressure  each  day.  A  lotion  composed  of 
lead  acetate,  ounce  one;  zinc  sulphate,  drachms  six;  water,  one 
quart,  has  proven  to  be  of  great  benefit,  and  should  be  used  while 
applying  pressure.  Pressure  can  be  applied  by  means  of  a  band- 
age properly  adjusted.  Finally,  stimulating  applications  should 
be  used,  the  best  in  this  case  being  gum  camphor,  ounce  one; 
alcohol,  a  half  pint;  iodine  tincture,  one  ounce,  applied  twice  a 
day  to  the  parts.     Some  few  cases  may  even  require  the  use  of 


Fig.  41 — Sprain  of  the  Radial  Ligament. 


A   SPKAIN   OR    STRAIN. 


195 


hydrarg.  biniodi.,  one  part  to  five  of  lard.     Tr.  of  iodine  may  be 
used  with  good  results. 

Opening  the  bursa  is  advisable  in  some  few  cases,  but  should 
be  done  as  a  last  resort.  AVhere  it  is  thought  advisable  to  open 
a  bursa,  it  should  be  done  by  a  veterinary  surgeon.  There  is  no 
danger,  however,  in  opening  the  bursa  in  connection  with  the 
extensor  metacarpi  magnus,  constituting  what  is  termed  "capped 
knee."  This  bursa  may  be  punc- 
tured without  any  hesitation, 
and  the  fluid  allowed  to  escape. 
The  puncture  should  be  made  at 
the  lowest  margin  of  the  swell- 
ing, and  upon  its  inner  side. 
Press  out  the  fluid  and  keep  the 
walls  of  the  sac  in  apposition  by 
applying  an  antiseptic  bandage. 
The  bandage  should  be  rolled 
around  the  knee  from  above 
downwards,  and  allowed  to  re- 
main without  change  for  five  or 
six  days,  if  no  inconvenience  is 
caused  to  tlio  patient.  If  signs 
of  pains  are  manifested,  the 
bandage  should  be  removed  and 
adjusted. 

Milch  cows  kept  in-doors  are  liable  to  have  enormously  en- 
larged knees  from  distention  of  this  bursa,  caused  by  bruising 
while  lying  u]ton  floors.  These  may  be  opened  with  safety. 
The  best  method  is  to  insert  a  seton  right  through  the  swelling 
and  allow  it  to  remain  in  for  three  or  four  weeks,  the  knee  to  be 
protected  from  further  injury  by  a  good,  thick  bed,  or  by  a 
thick  flannel  bandage  wrapped  round  it. 

CARPITIS,   OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KNEE. 

This  joint,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  structures  in  the  body, 
is  seldom  diseased,  unless  from  the  infliction  of  direct  or  indirect 


Fig.  42 — Bursal  Enlargements 
of  Fetlocks.  Commonly 
known  as  wind  gall. 


196  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

injury.  The  disease  is  most  frequently  seen  in  young  animals, 
race  horses,  and  hunters.  Concussion  from  galloping  on  hard 
ground  may  produce  it.  The  inflammation  may  involve  the 
whole  articulation,  or  only  a  part.  When  the  whole  joint  be- 
comes affected,  it  is  liable  to  produce  partial  or  complete  anchy- 
losis of  the  knee-joint,  and  interfere  with  usefulness  of  the  ani- 
mal. The  osseous  dejwsits  are  generally  situated  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  joint,  seldom  extending  to  the  bones  of  the  upper  row. 

Symptoms. — Difficulty  in  extending  and  a  j^eculiar  curved  or 
rotary  motion  of  the  limb;  the  animal  does  not  flex  the  knee, 
stands  pretty  firmly,  and  steps  slightly  further  with  the  lame 
than  with  the  sound  limb.  Heat  and  swelling  are  generally 
absent,  and  therefore  the  diagnosis  is  difficult.  One  of  the  best 
guides,  perhaps,  in  diagnosing  this  disease  is  the  expression  of 
pain  when  the  affected  joint  is  forcibly  flexed  or  extended. 

Treatment. — Eest,  fomentations,  hot  or  cold,  according  to 
the  season  of  the  year,  should  be  applied.  After  the  irritation 
is  allayed,  a  liniment  composed  of  camphor  gum,  ounce  one; 
alcohol,  a  half  pint;  iodine,  one  ounce;  chloroform,  one  ounce, 
should  be  used  three  times  a  day  in  large  quantities  and  well 
rubbed  in.  The  hydrarg.  biniod.  mixture  is  highly  recom- 
mended in  carpitis,  and  is  worthy  of  a  trial.  Cantharides,  one 
part  to  six  or  seven  of  lard,  may  be  of  use,  if  other  remedies  fail. 

SPEEDY  CUT 

Is  an  injury  inflicted  in  the  region  of  the  knee  by  a  high-step- 
ping horse.  It  is  usually  seen  in  animals  that  are  out-toed  to  a 
certain  extent.  A  high-stepper  may  inflict  a  speedy  cut  on  any 
part  of  the  limb  from  the  pastern  to  the  elbow;  but  it  usually 
occurs  in  connection  with  the  knee.  When  a  horse  strikes  him- 
self, as  in  speedy  cut,  he  is  liable  to  fall  from  the  violence  of  the 
pain,  injuring  his  knees,  and  losing  the  race.  The  wound  is 
often  inflicted  while  the  animal  is  galloping. 

Symptoms. — There  will  he  an  inflammation  and  swelling  of 
the  skin,  collection  of  fluid  in  the  subcutaneous  areolar  tissue, 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN. 


197 


constituting  a  serous  abscess,  or  tlie  formation  of  pus  in  the 
part,  witli  lameness  and  fever.  In  many  cases  the  effused  fluids 
become  solidified,  in  wliicli  case  a  permanent  enlargement  re- 
mains. This  not  only  detracts  from  the  appearance  of  the  ani- 
mal, but  from  its  size  ex- 
poses him  to  subsequent 
injuries  which  would 
otherwise  be  escaped. 

Treatment. — Apply  a 
three-quarter  or  Charlier 
shoe.  The  foot  must  be 
kept  narrow  on  the  inner 
side,  and  the  shoes  re- 
moved e  V  e  r  y  three 
weeks;  otherwise,  by 
growth  of  the  foot,  the 
animal  is  apt  to  strike. 
If  it  cannot  be  prevented 
by  shoeing,  a  boot  must 
be  worn.  If  not  solidi- 
fied, hot  and  cold  appli-  Fig.  43-Speedy  Cut. 
cations  should  be  used.  Eight  dracluns  of  aloes  should  be  given 
internally  to  open  the  bowels.  If  serum  or  pus  be  present,  open 
it  up.    The  thickened  condition  should  be  removed  by  blisters. 


BROKEN  KNEES. 


-.  , 


A  wound  upon  the  anterior  part  of  the  knee,  though  a  mere 
scratch,  lowers  the  value  of  an  animal  to  a  great  extent.  Many 
knees  are  broken  through  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  driver 
or  rider,  and  are  not  caused  by  faulty  conformation.  A  horse, 
well  made,  with  very  fine  action,  may  have  broken  knees,  and 
the  cause  be  purely  accidental.  Bad  shoeing,  carelessness  on  the 
part  of  the  rider,  or  vertigo  may  cause  the  trouble.  Some  horses 
fall  from  faulty  conformation,  and  are  dangerous  to  ride. 

Treatment. — Complete  rest;  tie  up  the  animal's  head  so  that 


198 


THE    STOCK    OWXKK  S    ADVISEK. 


it  cannot  He  down.  Sponge  the  knee  with  cold  water,  and  apply 
the  solution  of  zinc  and  lead  already  referred  to  repeatedly  for 
three  or  four  days.  If  much  swellino-  should  arise,  a  purgative 
should  Le  given.  When  the  skin  is  cut,  the  edges  .should  he 
brought  together  as  well  as  possible,  and  so  kept  by  plaster,  or 
styptic  colloid,  or  shellac  paste  dipped  in  lint  or  tow.  A  wound 
on  the  knee  must  never  be  stitched,  for  flexion  of  the  knee  will 
most  assuredly  tear  out  the  sutures  and  enlarge  the  wound.     In 

addition  to  the  colloid  plaster,  a 
thin  calico  bandage  should  be  ap- 
plied and  allowed  to  remain  for 
four  or  fi\'e  days  if  the  case  pro- 
gresses favorably.  If  pain  and 
swelling  arise,  the  bandage  must 
be  removed  and  the  wound  ex- 
amined; if  found  to  be  suppu- 
rating, it  should  be  gently  washed, 
and  zinc  sulphate,  drachms  six; 
lead  acetate,  ounce  one;  water, 
one  quai't,  applied  four  or  five 
times  a  day.  Dihite  carbolic 
acid — one  part   of  acid   to  forty 

parts  of  water  may  be  used. 
Fig.  44 — Broken  Knee.  -ttt-i  .,         -,  ■       .       i-    •  i    i 

When  the  skin  is  divided,  sim- 
ply exposing  the  magniis  tendon,  with  a  discharge  of  synovia 
from  the  tendon,  the  case  will  result  favorably.  If  the  tendon 
be  crushed,  it  may  slough;  severe  symptoms  will  be  presented 
and  the  animaFs  life  endangered.  The  fever  becomes  high, 
respiration  and  pulse  quickened,  bowels  constipated,  the  urinary 
and  other  secretions  arrested,  the  wound  assumes  a  leadened 
hue,  the  discharge  becomes  offensive,  and  the  lameness  excessive. 
"When  the  slough  is  removed  the  carpal  articulations  are  ex- 
posed to  view.  The  power  of  extension  is  now  lost  by  the  separa- 
tion of  the  tendon,  and  the  limb  is  persistently  fixed. 

Unless  the  patient  be  a  valual)le  stud  animal,  it  is  best  to 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN.  199 

destroy  it,  for  if  even  a  cure  is  effected  the  articulation  will  be 
ancbylosed.  If  an  attempt  to  cure  is  made,  the  limb  must  be 
fixed  in  a  straight  position  by  means  of  a  tin  splint  used  in  frac- 
ture, placed  behind  the  knee  and  fastened  by  proper  straps  and 
bandages,  leaving  the  wound  uncovered.  When  the  accident 
has  been  so  severe  as  to  fracture  one  or  more  bones  of  the  knee, 
the  animal  should  unhesitatingly  be  destroyed. 

INJURIES  BELOW  THE  KNEE. 

The  causes  of  lameness  now  to  be  described,  extending  to  the 
foot,  are  mostly  common  to  both  anterior  and  posterior  extremi- 
ties.    When  not  common  to  both,  reference  will  be  made. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  METACARPAL  LIGAMENT. 

This  ligament  is  often  sprained,  caused  by  violent  exertion  of 
any  kind,  pulling  heavy  loads,  wearing  high-toed  shoes,  etc. 

Symptoms, — Heat  and  swelling  of  the  part;  in  the  early 
stages,  the  ligament  can  be  felt  swollen  prominently,  the  ten- 
dons themselves  being  normal.  The  horse  evinces  pain  on  pres- 
sure of  the  ligament.  He  stands  with  his  leg  upright,  moves 
stiffly,  and  digs  his  toes  in  the  ground.  When  the  tendons  are 
affected  the  swelling  is  found  further  back,  situated  about  the 
middle  of  the  tendon.  This  swelling  prevents  their  gliding 
through  the  thecal  particularly  the  thecae  situated  in  the  carpal 
or  tarsal  fossae. 

Treatment. — Apply  a  high-heeled  shoe  in  order  to  rest  the 
tendons.  If  treated  immediately  after  the  injury,  cold  water 
should  be  freely  used.  Ice  water  and  bandage  should  be  applied, 
and  the  lotion  of  zinc  and  lead  previously  referred  to  employed 
to  reduce  the  fever.  If  the  exudate  has  already  taken  place 
and  there  is  great  pain,  warm  fomentations  as  hot  as  the  animal 
can  bear  should  be  used.  When  the  irritation  subsides,  a  lini- 
ment made  of  equal  parts  of  aqua  ammonia,  turpentine,  and  lin- 
seed oil  should  be  used.     Firing  may  be  resorted  to  in  some 


200 


THE    STOCK    OWNKU  S    ADVISER. 


cases,  but  should  not  be  used  too  quickly.    Its  use  is  very  benefi- 
cial, however,  in  chronic  inflammation  of  the  tendon. 

In  chronic  cases,  where  shortening  has  permanently  taken 
place,  the  operation  of  tenotomy  must  be  performed.  Many 
horses  with  contraction  of  the  tendons  will  do  slow  work  toler- 
ably well  if  a  piece  of  iron  is  attached  to  the  toe  of  the  shoe,  pro- 
jecting an  inch  or  two  in  front  of  it  and  slightly  turned  up  at  its 
anterior  part.     Tenotomy  or  division  of  the  tendon  should  only 


Fig.  45 — Sprain  of  the  Metacarpal  Ligament. 

be  performed  by  a  skilled  surgeon,  and  the  animal  should  be  a 
valuable  one,  as  it  takes  six  months,  in  case  of  a  fore  \eg,  before 
an  animal  can  be  put  to  work  again,  and  a  much  longer  time  if  in 
the  hind  limb.  The  operation  in  the  hind  limb  is  often  disap- 
pointing, even  with  the  assistance  of  the  lever  on  the  toe  of  the 
shoe. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENT. 

The  suspensory  ligament  is  a  broad  band  of  white  fibrous 
tissue,  arising  from  the  supra-posterior  part  of  the  canon  bone, 
lying  in  the  hollow  between  the  two  splint  bones  and  ternii- 


A  SPRAIN   OB   STRAIN. 


201 


nating  on  either  side  of  the  os  corona^  and  on  the  side  of  the 
pyramid  of  the  os  pedis.  It  is  usually  seen  in  race  horses  and 
hunters. 

Treatment. — Rest,  fomentations,  bandages,  and  finally  blis- 
ters. The  animal  should  have  a  long  rest.  If  put  to  work  too 
soon,  rupture  of  the  ligament  is  apt  to  occur. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENT. 

Eupture  of  the  suspensory  ligament,  or  breakdown,  as  it  is 
commonly  called.  This  injury  is  a  very  serious  one,  but  with  a 
long  rest  and  proper  treatment  a  horse  so  injured  may  become 
■sufficiently  sound  to  per- 
form moderate  work.  Yet 
there  is  always  a  weak- 
ness left  which  constitutes 
unsoundness.  They  can 
never  be  made  fit  for  fast 
work  again.  Breakdown  is 
common  on  the  hard  tracks 
of  this  continent.  It  rarely 
occurs  on  the  soft  and  yield- 
ing turf  of  England. 

Symptoms. — If  one  of  the 
branches  only  is  ruptured, 
there  will  be  slight  swelling 
and  lameness.     The  animal 

will  stand  or  walk  on  the  toe.  This  lameness  may  oe  removed  by 
cold  water  and  liniments,  but  when  the  animal  is  afterwards  put 
to  a  severe  test  he  may  break  completely  down.  The  fetlock  then 
descends,  the  toe  turns  up,  and  there  will  be  heat,  pain  and 
swelling. 

Treatment. — A  long  rest,  cold  and  hot  applications,  accord- 
ing to  the  season  of  the  year,  and  finally  blisters  should  be  used. 
Firm  pledgets  of  tow,  placed  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  to  sup- 
port the  fetlock,  should  be  used.     Ilie  tow  should  be  made  into 


Fig.  46 — Partial  Breakdown. 


202  THE    STOCK    OWNEE  S    ADVISER. 

a  firm  roll,  the  fetlock  pad  elevated  by  an  assistant,  the  roll  of 
tow  placed  under  it  so  as  to  completely  fill  np  the  hollow  of  the 
heel,  and  fixed  in  that  position  by  a  bandage.  Other  bandages 
should  be  placed  around  the  leg  as  high  as  possible.  Cold  appli- 
cations should  be  used  to  relieve  the  inflammatory  symptoms, 
and  finally  liniments  should  be  used. 

CUT  TENDON. 

A  tendon  may  be  cut  or  lacerated  in  various  ways.     Give  rest 

and  apjily  a  shoe  arranged  so  as 
to  keep  the  limb  in  one  position. 
Bandage  and  adopt  the  line  of 
treatment  that  has  been,  laid 
down  before  for  injury  of  the 
tendons. 


SPRAIN  OF  THE  FETLOCK. 

There   may  be  inflammation 

Fie.  47— Firing  the  Tendons.  j-  j^i       •    •    .  •        r  j; 

^  ''  01  the  ]omt  or  sprain  ot  one  oi 

the  lateral  ligaments,  caused  in  various  ways.  In  inflammation 
of  the  fetlock  joint,  from  whatever  cause,  the  lameness  is  char- 
acterized by  inability  to  flex  it,  by  heat,  swelling,  pain  on  pres- 
sure, and  more  or  less  pointing  of  the  foot.  The  diagnosis  is 
further  assisted  by  flexing  the  joint,  when  the  animal  shows  pain 
and  the  lameness  is  increased.  Treat  as  for  other  injuries  in  the 
same  region. 

SESAMOIDITIS— INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    SESAMOID 

BURSAE. 

Symptoms. — Lameness,  the  animal  going  on  his  toe;  heat  at 
the  back  of  the  fetlock,  with  swelling  of  the  bursa3.  The  hard 
enlargement  of  sesamoiditis  is  an  unsoundness,  and  must  not  be 
mistaken  for  the  soft,  yielding  swelling  constituting  wind  galls. 
Tn  sesamoiditis  the  capsule  is  fully  distended  with  fluid,  and  is 
tense;  whereas  in  a  common  wind-gall  it  is  soft  and  easily  pressed 


A   SPRAIN    OR   STRAIN. 


203 


from  side  to  side.  The  bursa?  are  often  the  seat  of  rheumatism. 
The  pain  is  very  obstinate,  for  a  time  subsiding  and  then  reap- 
pearing. The  special  treatment  consists  in  the  application  of  a 
high-heeled  shoe,  placing  the  animal  in  slings  if  the  lameness  be 
severe,  and  the  use  of  cold  water. 

RING  BONE. 

This  is  the  term  applied  to  a  ring  of  osseous  material  extend- 
ing around  the  limb  just  above  the  hoof.  Ring  bones  are  of  two 
kinds,  true  and  false.  A  false  ring  bone  does  not  involve  the 
articulation.  The  true  ring  bone  involves  important  articula- 
tions, and  is  an  unsoundness  in  every  sense  of  the  word.  Ring 
bone  may  occur  in  any  limb,  and  I  have  seen  it  in  all  four  limbs 
at  one  time.  The  causes  of  ring  bone  are  hereditary,  structural, 
incidental,  and  rheumatoid.  Hereditary  predisposition  is  suffi- 
ciently proven  and  acknowledged.  This  subject  has  been  thor- 
oughly dealt  with  in  the  chapter  on  breeding.  The  structural 
tendency  is  manifested  in  horses  with  upright  pasterns.  Hard 
work  is  probably  the  most  common  of  all  exciting  causes.  Im- 
proper shoeing,  blows,  and  kicks  may  j^roduce  ring  bone. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  an  enlargement,  which  is  soft  in 
the  early  stages  of  the  disease.  Considerable  heat  is  present, 
and  there  is  more  or  less  lameness,  which  may  be  increased  by 
flexing  the  joint  and  trotting  the  animal.  The  lameness  pre- 
cedes the  deposition  of  bony  matter,  and  is  due  to  inflammation 
in  the  bones. 

"When  ring  bone  is  situated  in  the  fore  extremity,  unless  the 
deposit  be  on  the  posterior  aspect,  the  patient  puts  his  heel  to 
the  ground  first;  but  when  in  the  hind  limb,  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  pastern,  except  it  be  in  front,  the  toe  touches  the  ground 
first.  When  locater^  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  pastern  the 
heel  comes  down  first.  When  in  the  hind  limb  the  animal 
uses  great  care  in  bringing  forward  the  foot. 

Treatment. — If  located  in  the  fore  leg,  and  the  animal  puts 
the  heel  down  first,  a  thin-heeled  bar  shoe  must  be  put  on  the 


204 


THE    STOCK    OWiVEK  S  ADVISER. 


foot.  This  will  give  great  relief  by  allowing  the  animal  to 
throw  his  weight  upon  the  heels  easily.  If  he  walks  on  his  toe, 
he  must  be  shod  with  a  high-heeled  shoe.  The  firing  iron  is  the 
best  form  of  connter  irritation  in  this  disease.  This  should  be 
done  by  an  experienced  surgeon.    After  firing,  a  yesicant  should 


Fig.  48— A  Severe  Firing  of  a  Large  and  Long-Standing  Ring  Bone. 

be  applied,  and  nothing  is  better  than  the  iingt.  hydrarg.  biniod., 
which  may  be  washed  off  in  three  or  four  days,  and  lard  or  vase- 
line applied. 

HIP-JOINT  LAMENESS. 

Hij)-joint  lameness  rarely  occurs,  but  it  is  possible.  The 
trochanter  major  of  the  femur  is  the  usual  seat  of  lameness  in 
that  region.  The  trochanter  stands  higher  than  the  articular 
head  of  the  femur,  and  gives  attachment  to  particular  muscles. 
The  summit  of  the  trochanter  is  liable  to  injury  from  blows  and 
falls.  There  may  be  sprain  of  the  ligaments  by  exercise  of  a 
violent  character,  as  slipping,  falling,  or  turning  suddenly. 

Symptoms. — If  there  is  a  violent  inflammation  of  the  hip- 
joint,  the  animal  will  stand  persistently,  being  very  averse  to 


A  SPKAIN   OR   STRAIN.  205 

moving  about  in  any  way.  The  foot  is  elevated  from  the  ground, 
and  held  continually  in  that  position.  There  will  be  fever,  loss 
of  api^etite  and  flesh,  rapid  Avasting  of  the  quarter,  and  inability 
to  lie  down.  If  the  violent  symptoms  above  described  do  not 
soon  abate,  or  some  signs  of  improvement  be  made  manifest,  the 
prognosis  of  an  incurable  lameness  may  be  safely  made.  There 
will  be  ulceration  of  the  ligamentum  teres,  ulceration  of  the 
articular  cartilage,  and  perhaps  anchylosis.  In  hip-joint  lame- 
ness the  animal  has  a  peculiar  hop  and  catch  in  his  gait,  with  a 
lack  of  movement  in  the  quarter.  The  quarter  in  the  lame  side 
is  elevated  with  as  little  motion  of  the  hip  as  possible,  the  other 
articulation  being  flexed  with  ease.  When  standing,  the  foot  is 
lifted,  wasting  of  the  muscles  take  place,  and  a  swelling  in  con- 
nection with  the  trochanter  may  be  noticed.  Heat  may  be  felt, 
by  pressure  applied  per  rectum. 

Treatment. — In  either  form  a  high-heeled  shoe  is  to  be  put 
on  the  foot  and  a  long  rest  given.  Fomentations  should  be  ap- 
plied for  hours  at  a  time.  The  mercurial  ointment  previously 
referred  to  should  be  used,  and  is  of  value.  The  ailment  requires 
a  powerful  medicine. 

Sprain  of  the  gluteus  maximus  sometimes  takes  place,  and  is 
very  hard  to  distinguish  from  hip-joint  lameness.  There  is  the 
same  peculiar  risins;  and  falling  of  the  croup.  The  foot  will  be 
elevated,  and  there  will  be  great  difficulty  in  bringing  fonvard 
the  limb.     Swelling  will  be  noticed  first,  then  atrophy. 

The  treatment  is  similar  to  that  for  hip-joint  lameness.  It 
may  be  necessary  to  use  slings  in  this  as  well  as  in  hip-joint  dis- 
ease. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  HIP  JOINT. 

Dislocation  is  never  seen  in  the  horse,  unless  there  be  frac- 
ture of  the  acetabulum.  It  may  occur  in  the  ox,  dog,  and  cat 
without  fracture. 

Symptoms. — Shortening  of  the  liinl),  pain,  an  abnormally 
prominent  condition,  and  later  swelling.  The  symptoms  are 
about  the  same  in  the  dog  and  cat. 


206  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Teeatmets't. — Reduce  the  dislocation  by  manipulation,  exten- 
sion, traction,  etc.,  brought  to  bear  on  the  limb.  It  is  easily 
reduced  in  the  dog,  but  rarely  in  the  ox. 

STIFLE-JOINT  LAMENESS. 

Stifle-joint  lameness  is  of  two  kinds,  that  within  the  joint 
proper  and  that  in  the  patella  articulation.  The  pathology  of 
both  forms  is  alike — inflammation,  ulceration  of  the  articular 

cartilage,  and  of  the  semi- 
lunae  discs,  and  deposit  of 
porcellaneous  deposit, 
when  caused  by  rheuma- 
tism. 

Symptoms. — T  h  e  ani- 
mal stands  with  the  limb 
bent,  the  thigh  flexed  upon 
the  pelvis,  and  the  leg 
upon  the  thigh. 

In   lameness   from   dis- 
ease of  the  bursa-patella, 
Fig.  49— Stifle  Joint  Lameness.  ,  i      i  it  ^ 

the  horse  generally  walks 

with  his  toe  dragging  the  ground,  the  forward  movement  of  the 
lim'b  being  performed  with  great  difficulty,  the  toe  of  the  foot 
describing  the  segment  of  a  circle  at  each  step. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  PATELLA. 

Complete  dislocation  seldom  takes  place.  Partial  dislocation, 
however,  is  of  very  common  occurrence,  the  bone  slipping  on 
the  outside  in  all  cases.  The  formation  of  the  parts  render  it 
almost  impossible  for  the  bone  to  slip  on  the  inside. 

Cause. — Falling,  stepping  on  cobble  stones,  or  on  a  rolling 
stone.  It  follows  debilitating  diseases,  as  influenza,  etc.  It  is 
generally  seen  in  young,  unthrifty  animals.  It  may  occur  from 
a  scrofulous  ostitis,  hereditary  tendency,  faulty  conformation, 
^tc.    Allowing  weak  colts  to  run  on  hilly  pastures  may  cause  it. 


A  SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN". 


207 


Symptoms. — In  walking  there  is  difficulty  in  bringing  the 
limb  forward.  It  is  handled  in  a  stiff  manner,  as  though  there 
was  scarcely  any  articulation  in  it.  On  going  forward  and  in 
Lacking  the  foot  drags  on  the  ground.  In  some  cases  the  foot 
seems  as  though  nailed  to  the  floor.  In  partial  dislocation,  a 
clicking  sound  is  heard  during  progression.  When  the  animal 
lies  down,  he  frequently  has  great  difficulty  in  rising^  and  in 
some  cases  is  totally  unable  to  rise. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  not  difficult,  and  as  a  rule  is 
successful.     Reduce  the  luxation  by  placing  the  animal  by  the 


Fig.  50— Dislocation  of  the  Patella. 


side  of  the  stall;  tie  a  soft  cord  around  the  fetlock  of  the  affected 
limb,  have  an  assistant  take  hold  of  the  free  end  of  the  cord  and 
gently  draw  tlio  limb  forward;  at  the  same  time  the  operator 
should  mani])ulate,  and,  by  pushing  the  bone,  force  it  in  place. 
The  bone  will  produce  a  clicking  sound  as  it  slips  into  its  place. 
After  the  reduction,  cold  water  should  be  applied  freely,  and  the 
lotion  of  zinc  and  lead  used  after  each  application  until  all  irri- 
tation is  allayed.     After  all  inflammation  has  subsided,  the  can- 


208  THE    STOCK    OWAKu's    AIJ\'JSKR. 

tliarides  blister  slioiild  be  applied  to  the  part  and  the  horse 
walked  after  each  application.  In  exercising  an  animal,  if  the 
patella  on  the  near  side  is  dislocated,  the  animal  in  turning 
should  turn  to  the  opposite  side,  and  vice  versa. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  PATELLA  LIGAMENTS. 

The  ligaments  of  the  patella  may  be  strained,  and  this  is  most 
common  in  horses  used  for  fast  work.  It  is  very  common  in 
stage  horses. 

Symptoms. — There  is  considerable  difficulty  in  bringing  for- 
ward the  limb,  ilexion  of  the  joint  is  not  properly  performed, 

^^,_       ^    4  and   in   some   cases 

there  is  a  tendency 

J^  to  drag  the  toe.  The 

-  .,"'  animal  may  trot   a 

^^     short  distance,  then 
hop    on    the    sound 
\i  limb,    keeping    the 

affected  one  eleva- 
ted from  the  ground 
for    a    little    ways, 

and  then  allowing  it 
Fig.  51 — Sprain  of  the  Patella  Ligaments.  ^  i     ,        ,  i 

ground  and  trot  off  on  it  again.  The  symptoms  are  very  much 
similar  to  stifle-joint  lameness. 

The  treatment  is  similar  to  stifle-joint  lameness. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  VASTI  AND  RECTUS  FEMORIS  MUSCLES. 

This  is  caused  by  slipping  and  falling,  etc. 

Symptoms. — Difficulty  in  extending  the  limb.  The  toe  is 
dragged  along  on  the  ground,  and  the  animal  drops  considerably. 
There  will  be  observed  a  swelling  of  the  part,  wliich  is  succeeded 
by  atrophy.  The  lameness  is  excessive.  It  will  take  from  three 
to  six  months  to  effect  a  cure. 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN.  209 

Treatment. — Rest,  fomentations,  and  the  use  of  the  ammo- 
niacal  liniment.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  place  the 
animal  in  slings. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOE  METATARSI. 

This  muscle  is  attached  to  the  femur,  tibia,  and  metatarsal 
bones.  Sprain  is  caused  by  jumping,  falling,  or  being  cast  in 
any  way. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  very  peculiar.  As  a  result  of 
an  injury  inflicted,  the  muscle  loses  its  power  of  contraction, 
while  tlie  opposing  muscles  at  the  back  of  the  limb  retain  their 
contractile  power,  causing  the  limb  to  fly  upwards  and  back- 
wards with  great  violence,  where  it  remains  hanging,  dangling 
as  if  broken.  When  the  animal  makes  a  step  or  removes  its 
weight  from  the  limb  it  flies  back  and  hangs  dangling  as  before. 
If  the  injury  is  in  connection  with  the  tendinous  portion  of  the 
muscle,  and  the  animal  very  old,  it  is  best  to  destroy  it. 

Treatmext.- — Fomentations,  the  use  of  a  liniment  composed 
of  equal  parts  of  aqua  ammonia,  turpentine,  and  linseed  oil,  and 
a  long  rest.  The  animal  should  be  fed  well.  It  will  take  six 
months  to  effect  a  cure. 

Sprain  of  the  gastroscnemi  muscles  occasionally  occur.  The 
symptoms  are  similar  to  sprain  of  the  flexor  metatarsi,  except 
that  the  limb  inclines  forw^ard  instead  of  backwards.  The  treat- 
ment is  similar. 

BOG  SPAVIN. 

Bog  spavin  may  be  defined  to  be  a  soft,  puffy  tumor  situated 
on  the  antero-internal  aspect  of  the  hock.  If  the  enlargement  is 
a  tense,  fluctuating  swelling,  accompanied  by  heat  and  pain,  it 
is  an  unsoundness.  It  indicates  a  change  within  the  textures  of 
the  joint.  There  are  bog  spavins,  however,  which  may  not  be 
looked  upon  as  constituting  unsoundness,  being  a  mere  dropsy 
of  the  articulation.  Bog  spavin  is  most  frequently  seen  among 
heavy  horses,  and  in  such  animals  very  little  importance  is  at- 
14 


210 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


tached  to  it,  unless  actual  lameness  is  present.  But  if  in  light 
horses,  used  for  fast  work,  the  presence  of  a  bog  spavin  should 
be  looked  upon  with  suspicion.  In  such  animals  a  bog  spavin 
should  be  considered  an  unsoundness. 

Bog  spavins  are  caused  by  hard  and  fast  work,  irregular  exer- 
cise, high  feeding,  etc.     Young  horses  are  more  liable  than  old. 


Fig.  52— Bog  Spavin. 

The  puffy  tumor  can  be  easily  seen  in  connection  with  the  hock. 
Inflammation  of  the  true  hock  joint  may  be  acute  or  chronic. 
In  the  acute  form  the  lameness  is  very  great,  with  fever,  loss 
of  condition,  and  inability  to  put  the  foot  to  the  ground.  It  is 
apt  to  terminate  in  ulceration  of  the  articular  cartilage  and  a 
partial  anchylosis  of  the  joint. 

Treatment. — If  the   horse   is  in   a   plethoric   condition,   he 
should  be  reduced.     Six  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  given,  fol- 


A    SPKAIN    OK    STKAIN. 


211 


lowed  by  a  half  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash,  in  a  drench.  Cold 
applications  should  be  applied  to  the  enlargement.  Zinc  sul- 
phate, six  drachms,  to  lead  acetate  one  ounce  in  a  quart  of 
water  may  be  used.  Pressure  should  be  applied  by  means  of  a 
bandage  properly  adjusted.  A  stimulant  consisting  of  iodine 
and  turpentine  may  be  applied  to  the  enlargement.  In  some  few 
cases  the  actual  cautery  may  be  employed.  Bog  spavin  is  best 
treated  in  the  winter. 

SPRUNG  HOCK. 

This  is  an  enlarged  and  inflamed  condition  of  the  tarsus  gen- 
erally, involving  the  structures  of  the  whole  articulation,  arising 
from  severe  sprain  or  injury. 


Fig.  53— Sprung  Hock. 

Treatment. — The  special  treatment  is  the  use  of  the  slings 
and  the  ammoniacal  liniment.  After  the  acute  symptoms  have 
subsided  the  biniodide  of  mercury  ointment  shouhl  l)e  used  to 


212 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


absorb  the  callus  enlargement.     It  may  be  necessary  to  use  the 
actual  cautery. 

BONE  SPAVIN. 

A  bone  spavin  may  be  defined  to  be  an  exostosis  on  the  inner 
and  lower  part  of  the  hock,  arising  from  inflammation  of  the 
joint,  terminating  generally  in  anchylosis  of  one  or  more  of  the 


Fig.  54— Bone  Spavin. 

gliding  joints  of  the  hock.  Bone  spavin  is  A-ery  rarely  found  on 
the  outer  side  of  the  hock.  It  arises  from  causes  that  are  heredi- 
tary or  constitutional  and  local.  The  hereditary  dis^^osition  to 
bone  spavin  is  beyond  a  doubt,  being  well  known  to  breeders  of 
horses.  This  predisposition  is  not  a  peculiarity  of  conformation, 
as  many  breeds  with  very  fine  hocks  often  become  unsound  from 
spavin. 

The  local  exciting  causes  of  spavin  are  sprains  of  the  liga- 


A   SPRAIN  OR   STRAIN. 


213 


ments  and  concussion.  High-calked  slioes  often  cause  it.  The 
hock  tied  in  below,  or  sickle-shaped,  is  the  form  most  suscepti- 
ble to  spavin.  The  lameness  of  bone  spavin  is,  as  a  rule,  remov- 
able in  the  young  and  middle  aged,  but  generally  incurable  in 
horses  past  twelve  years  or  their  prime. 

Pathology. — Bone  spavin  is  an  inflammation  of  the  bones 
and  inter-osseous  ligaments.    The  inflammation  originates  in  the 


Fig.  55— A.  Perfect  Hock. 

cancellated  structure  of  the  interior  of  the  bones;  an  exudation 
is  gradually  thrown  out  between  the  bones  and  their  cartilage, 
perverting  the  nutrition  of  the  latter,  whereby  it  ulcerates  and 
is  removed,  leaving  the  exposed  surfaces  of  bone  in  contact  with 
each  other  and  their  cancellated  structures  in  apposition,  thus 
enabling  their  vessels  to  communicate  with  each  other.  Along 
with  the  destructive  process  going  on  in  the  interior  of  the  bones, 
an  exudate  is  found  upon  their  periosteal  surface,  extending  from 


214 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


one  diseased  bone  to  another,  binding  them  together  by  a  band 
of  lymph — ultimately  converted  into  bone — which  locks  them 
firmly  together,  preventing  further  motion. 

Symptoms. — In  examining  for  spavin,  the  animal  should  be 
made  to  stand  firmly  on  all  four  feet.  In  some  cases  it  is  neces- 
sary to  have  an  assistant  hold  uj)  one  fore  limb,  in  order  to  cause 

the  animal  to  stand 
squarely  and  firmly  on 
both  hind  feet.  Stand 
three  or  four  feet  from 
the  shoulder  and  view  the 
hock;  now  step  to  the 
otber  side,  occupying  the 
same  position  and  com- 
pare the  hocks;  then  step 
directly  in  front  of  the 
horse  and  look  through 
between  the  fore  legs.  Af- 
ter this  take  a  like  view 
from  behind.  With  an  ex- 
perienced eye,  the  smallest 
variation  from  the  normal 
can  be  readily  detected. 
Pressure  upon  the  parts 
may  elicit  some  manifestations  of  pain  or  uneasiness,  and 
there,  is  generally  heat  present.  In  the  stable,  the  animal 
favors  the  limb,  standing  with  it  flexed.  If  he  is  made  to  move 
from  side  to  side  in  the  stall,  he  will  drop  on  the  affected  limb, 
but  on  being  made  to  walk  or  trot  he  drops  on  the  sound  limb. 
When  first  brought  out  after  standing  all  night,  especially  if 
the  animal  has  been  subjected  to  a  long  drive  the  day  before,  he 
will  go  stiff  and  lame.  If  driven  a  mile,  he  warms  out  of  it. 
This  is  characteristic  of  joint  affection.  On  trotting,  there  is  a 
peculiar  rising  and  falling  of  the  croup;  the  hock  is  not  flexed 


Fig.  56 — An  Abnormal  Straight  Hock. 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN. 


215 


as  freely  as  it  should  be,  and  the  horse  goes  on  his  toe  to  a  cer- 
tain extent. 

Treatment. — A  long  rest,  a  loose  box,  and  the  firing  iron.  A 
few  days  aftef  the  firing,  the  red  iodide  of  mercury,  one  part  to 
four  or  five  parts  of  lard,  should  be  applied.  This  should  be 
washed  oft'  in  three  or  four  days,  and  another  application  made, 
if  necessary.  The  method  of  firing  will  be  dealt  with  more  fully 
at  the  end  of  this  chapter. 

THOROTJGH-PIN. 

Thorough-pin  is  a  bursal  enlargement  situated  on  the  side  of 
the  hock.  It  is  a  distension  of  the  bursa  in  connection  with  the 
flexor  pedis  perforanus  muscle.  It  varies  in  size,  in  some  cases 
no  larger  than  the  end  of  the  finger;  in  other  cases  it  attains  the 
size  of  the  closed  hand.  Pressure  on  one 
side  of  the  limb  causes  it  to  disappear  on 
that  side  and  appear  on  the  other. 
Thorough-pin  is  generally  associated 
with  bog  S2:)avin.  It  rarely  produces 
lameness,  and  should  not  be  considered 
as  a  serious  condition. 

The  treatment  of  thorough-pin  is 
about  the  same  as  that  for  wind-galls, 
bog  spavins,  and  other  bursal  enlarge- 
ments. 

CAPPED  HOCK. 

Capped  hock  is  the  term  applied  to  an 
enlargement  on  the  point  of  the  hock, 
and  is  sometimes  due  to  distension  of  the 
small   bursa  .situated   immediately   be- 
neath  the  skin.     In  some  cases  it  is  a      Fig.  57-Capped  Hock, 
distension  of  the  large  bursa  situated  between  the  gastrocnemii 
externus  and  internus.     Capped  hock  is  caused  by  blows,  kicks, 
etc.     It  may  arise  from  a  mere  dropsical  condition  or  slug- 


216 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


gish  oirculation,  and  is  seen  after  diseases  of  a  debilitating 
character.  Capped  hock  is  most  common  among  heavy  horses. 
It  is  a  blemish,  but  cannot  be  considered  an  unsoundness. 

Treatment. — If  of  long  standing,  it  will  take  some  time  to 
effect  a  cure.  If  the  case  is  the  result  of  an  injury  recently  re- 
ceived, fomentations  should  be  applied,  and  finally  blisters  used. 
The  cause  should  be  removed.  If  the  enlargement  still  remains 
after  pursuing  this  treatment,  iodine  tr.  should  be  applied,  and 
later  iodide  of  mercury  ointment  may  be  applied,  one  part 
of  mercury  to  five  of  lard.     When  serum  or  pus  has  formed  it 

may  be  necessary  to  open  up  and  al- 
low the  contents  to  escape,  but  open- 
ing should  not  be  made  if  it  can  be 
absorbed  in  any  way.  A  seton  may 
be  passed  through  the  enlargement 
and  the  contents  allowed  to  drain  for 
a  few  days.  It  should  be  dressed  With 
the  carbolic  acid  lotion. 

CURB. 

Curb  is  an  enlargement  on  the  pos- 
terior aspect  of  the  hock,  due  to  an 
injury  or  sprain  of  the  calcaneo- 
cuboid ligament.  It  presents  itself  as 
a  small,  hard  nodule  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  posterior  aspect  of  the  hock. 
It  can  easily  be  recognized  on  the 
back  of  the  hock,  about  four  or  five 
inches  below  the  point  of  the  os 
calces.  Animals  with  sickle-shaped  hocks  are  predisposed  to 
curb.  A  long,  narrow,  and  coarse  hock  is  more  likely  to  suffer 
from  curb  than  one  well  formed.  The  exciting  causes  are  hard 
and  fast  workj  running,  jumping,  playing,  and  especially  rear- 


Fig.  58-Curb. 


A   SPRAIN   OR   STRAIN. 


217 


ing.     Driving  an  animal  in  deep  snow  will  produce  it;  also  slip- 
ping or  starting  rapidly. 

Treatment. — If  treated  immediately  after  the  accident,  cold 
applications  should  be  applied  to  the  part,  as  ice  water  and 
plumbi  acetate  in  solution,  etc.  The  thickened  condition  should 
be  removed  by  the  tincture  of  iodine.  If  lameness  be  present, 
fire.  The  animal  should  have  rest,  and  a  high-heeled  shoe 
should  be  applied. 

GENERAL  TREATMENT  OF  LAMENESS. 

After  making  a  correct  diagnosis,  the  first  step  is  to  remove 
the  cause,  if  possible.  Is^ext,  the  position  of  the  limb  demands 
attention.  If  the  animal  stands  flat  on  his  foot,  and  his  feet  are 
in  good  condition,  all  his  shoes  should  be  removed.  But  if  the 
feet  be  weak,  they  should  be  protected  with  light  shoes.  This 
plan,  of  course,  is  only  recommended  where  the  patient  will 
have  to  lay  up  for  some  time.  If  the  horse  elevates  the  heel,  he 
must  have  a  high-heeled  shoe.  If  he  throws  his  weight  upon  the 
heels,  a  thin-heeled  shoe  should  be  used.  When  the  parts  are  in 
as  complete  a  state  of  rest  as  possible,  the  effects  of  the  primary 
lesions  are  next  to  be  attended  to. 

First  reduce  the  inflammation  by  hot  or  cold  applications.  It 
is  generally  best  to  use  cold  a})})lieations  first,  and  afterwards 
warm  applications.  In  all  painful  affections,  warm  fomentations 
and  poultices  should  be  used.  Eight  drachms  of  aloes  should  be 
given  to  assist  in  reducing  inflammation,  the  diet  properly  regu- 
lated and  restricted  to  brand  mashes,  a  little  hay,  and  cool  water. 
After  the  acute  signs  of  inflammation  have  subsided,  if  the 
lameness  still  remains,  countor-ii-ritnnts  must  be  used.  In  cases 
of  some  standing,  when  organic  cliangcs  in  the  parts  involved 
are  suspected,  a  blister  should  l)e  a])])]ie(l.  The  cantharides 
blister  is  best  in  tendinous  or  mnsciilar  wounds — one  part  of 
cantharides  powd.  to  seven  parts  of  lard  or  ])alm  oil.  For  bone 
diseases,  the  mercurial  ointment  is  tlie  l)est — one  part  of  red 
mercury  iodide  to  six  or  seven  of  lanl.     In  applying  a  blister, 


218  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

the  hair  should  first  be  clipped  from  the  parts.  The  j)reparation 
should  be  applied  with  smart  friction  for  about  ten  minutes.  To 
obtain  the  full  effect  of  a  blister,  a  quantity  of  ointment  is  to  be 
thickly  laid  on  after  the  rubbing  in  is  completed. 

Blister  but  two  legs  at  a  time,  and  do  not  repeat  the  applica- 
tion until  after  six  or  seven  days.  The  horse's  head  should  be 
tied  to  the  rack  after  a  blister  has  been  applied,  that  he  may  not 
put  his  nose  to  it.  Tie  him  so  that  he  cannot  lie  down.  If  the 
blistered  spot  be  in  reach  of  the  tail,  it  should  be  tied  up,  other- 
wise it  is  apt  to  become  daubed  and  the  blister  whipped  on  the 
thighs,  sheath,  or  mammary  gland.  In  about  twelve  hours, 
what  remains  on  the  surface  should  be  rubbed  in.  In  about 
forty-eight  hours  after  the  application,  it  should  be  washed  off 
and  a  little  grease  or  oil'should  be  applied.  The  horse  may  now 
be  untied,  and  should  be  loose  in  a  box  stall.  Firing,  or  the 
application  of  the  actual  cautery,  often  removes  pain  very  rap- 
idly after  rej^eated  blisters  have  failed.  In  bone  diseases  it  is  of 
great  benefit.  In  fact,  it  is  almost  the  only  treatment  for  ring- 
bones and  sjDavins.  The  firing  may  be  in  lines  and  superficial, 
the  transverse  method  being  the  least  calculated  to  blemisli,  or 
it  may  be  in  points  and  deep,  by  pyropuncture,  and  into  the  dis- 
eased structure.  This  latter  method  is  the  more  easily  per- 
formed, and  the  more  effective. 


XIV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 

Perhaps  no  greater  curse  has  ever  been  inflicted  upon  the 
horse  than  that  of  shoeing.  So  great  is  the  ignorance  prevailing 
among  owners,  shoers,  and  managers  of  horses,  that  most  cases 
of  lameness  arise  from  mismanagement  of  the  feet.  The  num- 
ber of  horses  lame  from  bad  shoeing  is  something  enormous.  It 
is  not  my  intention  here  to  enter  minutely  into  the  question  of 
horseshoeing,  but  I  hope  that  I  may  prevent,  as  far  as  possible, 
the  unnecessary  infliction  of  evils  upon  the  horse  by  pointing 
out  wherein  they  exist,  and  recommending  a  better  practice  than 
is  usual  in  the  art  of  shoeing.  But  little  progress  has  been  made 
in  horseshoeing.  It  is  scarcely  better  understood  now  than  a 
century  ago.  The  prevalent  evils  in  the  practice  of  shoeing 
arise  not  so  much  from  want  of  knowledge  as  from  carelessness 
on  the  part  of  workmen.  By  this  indifference  and  ignorance, 
the  animal's  feet  are  injured,  often  ruined  for  life.  ^Nfany 
times  it  causes  disease  which  ruin  not  only  the  feet,  but  other 
and  more  vital  parts.  We  frequently  meet  shoers  so  extremely 
clever  that  they  imagine  they  can  improve  upon  nature.  Chang- 
ing the  foot  has  caused  irreparable  injury  to  the  ligaments  and 
tendons. 

Every  owner  should  take  pains  to  understand  thoroug'hly  the 
horse's  feet.  He  should  accompany  the  horse  to  the  forge;  by 
doing  so  he  will  save  expense  to  himself  and  ])unishment  to  the 
horse.  In  moving  the  old  shoes,  the  smith  should  raise  the 
clinchers  before  removing  the  shoe,  and  not  violently  wrench  or 
twist  the  shoe  off,  without  cutting  the  clinchers,  as  is  usual.  If 
the  clinchers  are  not  cut,  the  nail-holes  will  be  torn  larger,  the 
future  steady  hold  of  the  shoe  weakened,  sometimes  tearing  the 
crust  and  otherwise  injuring  the  foot.     The  shoe  having  been 

\  219  ) 


220  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

removed,  the  smith  should  rasp  t^he  wall,  in  order  to  remove  any 
stubs  remaining  in  the  nail  holes  or  any  gravel  that  might  have 
insinuated  itself.  Xext  comes  the  process  of  paring  the  foot, 
which  should  be  done  until  the  sole  will  yield  to  the  firm  pres- 
sure of  the  thumb.  If  the  foot  is  allowed  to  grow,  and  the  horn 
to  accumulate  month  after  month,  the  sole  loses  its  elasticity, 
and  can  no  longer  descend;  its  other  functions  are  impeded,  and 
foundations  are  laid  for  corns,  contraction,  and  navicular  disease. 
The  quantity  of  horn  to  be  removed  in  order  to  leave  the  proper 
degree  of  thickness  will  vary  with  different  feet.  The  strong 
foot  should  be  pared  pretty  well.  The  concave  foot  should  be 
pared  until  the  sole  will  yield  to  pressure;  the  flat  foot  needs  but 
little  paring,  while  the  pomaced'  foot  should  be  deprived  of 
nothing  but  the  ragged  parts.  Experience  and  anatomical  in- 
vestigation point  to  the  conclusion  that  the  sole,  as  well  as  the 
crust  or  wall,  is  intended  to  perform  the  weight-bearing  func- 
tion. The  foot  should  be  leveled  in  order  tliat  the  shoe  may  rest 
perfectly  level  on  the  wall  and  sole. 

The  practice  of  opening  the  heels,  or,  more  truly,  removing 
that  which  is  the  imjiediment  to  contrtiction,  should  not  be  al- 
lowed. Tlie  ])ortion  of  the  heels  between  the  flexion  of  the  bars 
and  frog  should  scarcely  be  touched.  The  bar,  likewise,  should 
be  left  fully  prominent,  not  only  at  its  first  flexion,  but  as  it 
runs  down  tlie  side  of  the  frog.  Destruction  of  the  bars  will  lead 
to  contraction.  The  frog  should  not  be  pared;  it  should  project 
to  the  lower  surface  of  the  shoe;  it  will  then  descend  with  the 
sole  sufficiently  to  come  in  contact  with  the  ground,  and  thus 
fulfill  its  functions  by  relieving  concussion.  AVhen  ready  for  the 
shoe,  one  should  be  selected  that  will  fit  the  foot  as  nearly  as 
possible.  A  careless  smith  will  make  tlie  foot  fit  the  shoe,  in- 
stead of  the  shoe  fitting  the  foot.  The  toe-knife  and  rasp  is  a 
very  convenient  instrument  for  hiiw,  and  he  can  soon  make  the 
foot  as  small  as  the  shoe.  A  foot  thus  artificially  diminished  in 
size  will  soon  grow  ever  the  shoe  and  cause  lameness. 

The  shoe  recommended  bv  Prof.  "Williams  is  the  best  shoe 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET.  221 

for  the  road  horse.  The  superior  surface  of  the  shoe  bearing  on 
the  sole  is  perfectly  flat.  The  shoe  at  the  heels  is  drawn  down 
to  one-half  the  size,  or  less,  of  that  of  the  toe.  This  allows  the 
shoe  at  the  heels  to  rest  upon  the  walls  only.  By  the  use  of  such 
a  shoe,  all  the  weight-hearing  parts  are  called  to  action.  The 
inferior  concave  surface  of  the  shoe  prevents  slipping,  the  rim 
and  wedge-shaped  frog  grasping  the  ground.  I  have  used  this 
shoe  on  the  icy  pavements  of  winter  with  excellent  results.  The 
web  of  the  shoe  should  be  of  such  thickness  that  when  the  foot 
is  properly  })ared  the  prominent  part  of  the  frog  shall  lie  on  a 
level  with  its  ground  surface,  so  that  in  the  descent  of  the  sole 
the  frog  shall  come  sutticiently  on  the  ground  to  enable  it  to  act 
as  a  wedge,  expanding  the  quarters,  while  the  shoe  will  defend 
it  from  the  wear  and  injury  it  would  receive  if  it  came  to  the 
ground  with  the  first  and  full  shock  of  the  weight. 

.Much  skill  and  time  is  necessary  in  leveling  and  fitting  the 
shoe  to  the  foot.  The  method  of  applying  the  shoe  after  it  has 
been  heated,  somewhat  below  the  red  heat,  to  detect  any  little 
elevations  by  the  deep  color  of  the  burned  horn,  is  a  great  as- 
sistance in  adjusting  the  shoe.  If,  however,  the  shoe  is  made  to 
burn  its  weight  to  its  seat,  as  is  done  by  the  careless  smith,  with 
little  or  no  previous  preparation  of  the  foot,  the  heat  must  be 
injurious  both  to  the  sensitive  and  insensitive  parts  of  the  foot. 
Of  the  manner  of  attaching  the  shoe  to  the  foot,  the  owner  can 
scarcely  be  a  competent  judge;  he  can  only  take  care  that  the 
shoe  itself  shall  not  be  heavier  than  the  work  requires.  Calks 
and  toe  pieces  should  be  done  away  with  for  all  kinds  of  horses 
except  those  .used  for  heavy  draught  in  town  where  the  streets 
are  paved  and  steep.  All  horses  required  to  go  beyond  a  walk 
are  injured  by  shoes  with  turned-up  heels  and  toes.  AVhcrc  pos- 
sible, all  horses  should  be  shod  with  flat  shoes.  Clips  on  the  toe 
and  side  of  each  shoe  are  useful  for  heavy  horses,  but  should 
only  be  used  when  circumstances  absolutely  require  them.  The 
hind  shoe  should  be  made  broader  at  the  toe  than  the  fore  ones. 
The  hind  toe  is  the  point  on  which  the  animal  jiropels  itself,  and 


222  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

therefore  should  be  broader  than  the  fore  shoe.  Another  good 
effect  is,  that  the  hinder  foot  being  a  little  shortened,  there  is 
less  danger  of  over-reaching  or  forging,  and  especially  if  the  shoe 
is  wider  on  the  foot  surface  than  on  the  ground  surface.  The 
shoe  is  thus  made  to  slope  inward,  and  is  a  little  within  the  toe 
of  the  crust.  The  hind  foot  is  straighter  in  the  quarter  than  the 
fore,  and  must  therefore  have  a  differently  shaped  shoe. 

The  length  of  time  that  shoes  may  be  worn  without  injury 
varies  with  different  horses.  Horses  with  soft  or  pumaced  feet 
should  not  wear  them  longer  than  forty  to  fifty  days.  Old 
horses,  if  their  feet  have  never  been  injured,  may  keep  them  on 
much  longer.  Young  horses,  with  their  first  shoes,  should  not 
wear  them  longer  than  thirty  days,  and  should  wear  them  only 
part  of  the  year.  The  colt  should  not  be  shod  until  he  is  three 
years  old.  Shoes  may  be  then  put  on  at  the  beginning  of  winter 
and  remain  until  spring,  when  they  are  to  be  removed  and  left 
off  until  the  following  autumn.  All  young  horses  should  remain 
barefooted  as  long  as  possible.  Feet  that  have  been  long  shod, 
especially  if  they  be  weak,  will  always  be  tender,  and  should  not 
have  their  shoes  removed.  When  horses  are  having  a  rest  and 
run  at  pasture,  the  shoes  should  be  removed  and  put  on  again 
when  they  are  brought  up  for  work.  The  colt  should  wear  a 
very  light  shoe,  and  should  never  be  allowed  to  wear  it  longer 
than  a  month.  In  foal,  no  shoe  ought  to  be  worn  longer  than  a 
month.  The  shoe  should  never  be  heavier  than  the  work  re- 
quires, and  the  weak  foot  should  never  wear  a  heavy  shoe.  An 
ounce  or  two  in  the  weight  of  the  shoe  will  sadly  tell  at  the  end 
of  a  hard  day's  work.  This  is  acknowledged  in  the  hunting  shoe, 
which  is  narrower  and  lighter  than  that  of  the  hackney,  al- 
though the  foot  of  the  hackney  is  smaller  than  that  of  the 
hunter.  It  is  more  decidedly  acknowledged  in  the  racer,  whd 
wears  a  shoe  only  sufficiently  thick  to  prevent  it  from  bending 
when  it  is  used. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


223 


LAMENESS  FROM  DISEASE  OF  THE  PYEAMIDAL  PROCESS 
OF  THE  OS  PEDIS. 

This  exists  in  the  fore  or  hind  foot,  and  is  caused  by  blows 
upon  the  front  of  the  coronet,  or  from  over-extension  of  the 
extensor  tendon  by  the  use 
of  high  calks. 

Symptoims. — Swelling  i  n 
front  of  the  coronet,  varying 
in  size  from  that  of  a  hazel 
nut  to  a  pigeon's  egg,  with 
lameness.  The  horse  puts 
the  heel  down  first,  and  takes 
the  foot  up  quickly,  as  soon 
as  the  toe  comes  in  contact 
with  the  ground.  There  will 
be  pain  on  pressure,  heat, 
sloughing  of  the  skin,  leaving 
a  wound  that  heals  with  diffi- 
culty. 

Tkeatmext. — Low  -  heeled 
bar  shoe,  fomentations,  poul- 
tices, rest;  succeeded  by  the  ammoniacal  liniment,  and  in  ex- 
treme cases  the  cautery. 

OSSIFICATION  OF  THE  LATERAL  CARTILAGES. 

Side  Boxes. — This  condition  is  commonly  met  with  in  heavy 
horses,  and  in  the  fore  feet.    It  rarely  occurs  in  the  hind  feet. 

The  lateral  cartilages  are  two  thin  plates  of  fibro-cartilage,  of 
irregular  quadrangular  form,  surrounding  the  wings  of  the  os 
pedis,  which  in  virtue  of  their  elasticity  assist  the  sensitive  frog 
and.soft  structures  of  the  foot  in  regaining  their  natural  posi- 
tion after  being  pressed  u})ward  and  outwards  by  the  weight  of 
the  animal.  They  may  be  easily  felt  on  the  sides  of  tlie  foot, 
just  above  the  coronet,  as  two  yielding  pads.     AVhen  these  be- 


Fig.  59— Disease  of  the  Pyramidal 
Process  of  the  Os  Pedis. 


224 


THE    STDCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


come  ossified,  tlicy  are  hard  and  unyielding  as  the  bone  of  the 
foot. 

The  process  of  ossification  is  often  a  slow  one,  unaccompanied 
by  any  acute  inflammatory  action,  giving  the  animal  no  pain, 
and  causing  no  lameness.  AVe  frequently  see  this  in  heavy 
horses.  The  causes  are  hereditarj^  tendency  and  shoeing  with 
high  calks.     Side  bones  are  a  cause  of  unsoundness,  but  if  a 

horse  with  side  bones 
has  good,  strong  feet, 
open  and  well  devel- 
oped, showing  n  o 
lameness,  he  should 
not  be  considered  un- 
bound. If  the  light- 
bred  horse  is  found  to 
have  side  bones, 
whether  lame  or  not, 
he  should  be  consid- 
ered unsound.  Side- 
b  0  n  e  lameness  is 
char ac  terized  by 
bringing  the  toe  of 
the  foot  first  to  the 
ground ;  when  both  feet  are  involved,  by  a  shortness  of  step  and 
want  of  elasticity  or  springiness  in  action,  resembling  that  of 
navicular  disease. 

Treatment. — Bar  shoe,  rest,  blisters,  firing,  and,  should  these 
fail,  neurotomy.  This  operation  should  only  be  done  through  a 
skilled  surgeon. 

NAVICULAR  DISEASE. 

This  is  the  most  fertile  cause  of  lameness  known  of  in  the 
better  bred  horses.  ISTavicular  disease  may  be  defined  to  be  an 
inflammation  set  up  in  tlie  na^ncular  bone,  bursa,  and  flexor 
pedis  perforans  tendon.     The  disease  originates  in  the  cancel- 


Fig.  60 -Ossification  of  the  Lateral  Cartilages. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET.  225 

la  ted  strnctiire  of  the  bone  or  the  cartilage  upon  its  surface. 
As  a  result  the  tendon  becomes  lacerated  and  adherent  to  the 
bone.  The  disease  occurs  in  the  fore  feet,  and  is  seen  in  saddle 
horses  more  than  any  other  class.  In  all  its  stages  it  constitutes 
an  unsoundness.  The  disease  is  always  confined  to  the  inferior 
surface  of  the  navicular  bone  and  in  connection  with  the  tendon. 
The  great  exciting  cause  of  navicular  disease  is  hard  and  fast 
work,  particularly  on  hard  roads.  A  hereditary  tendency  is 
also  a  cause.  Certain  breeds  of  horses  are  more  or  less  subject 
to  navicular  disease  on  account  of  faulty  conformation,  the  dis- 
ease being  most  frequently  met  with  in  horses  having  short, 
upright  pasterns  and  a  pounding  action.  Allowing  the  animal 
to  be  idle  for  a  few  days,  feeding  him  highly  in  the  mean  time, 
then  taking  him  out  for  a  severe  ride  or  drive  on  a  hard  road 
will  cause  it. 

I  believe  that,  aside  from  concussion  on  hard  roads,  faulty 
shoeing  is  the  most  prolific  cause  of  navicular  disease.  The  prac- 
tice of  the  smith  in  removing  the  horn  from  the  heels  and  soles 
produces  a  contraction,  which  cause:  an  inflammation  of  the 
joint.  The  great  barriers  to  the  collapse  of  the  hoof  at  this  part 
are  strong  heels,  bars,  and  soles.  The  majority  of  smiths  re- 
move a  quantity  of  horn,  in  what  they  term  "opening  the  heels," 
which  causes  the  foot  to  collapse  and  its  sides  approximate  each 
other  too  closely. 

I  hold  that  contraction  here  is  the  cause„  and  not  the  effect 
of  disease,  as  is  the  usual  opinion.  The  smith  frequently  allows 
the  toe  of  the  foot  to  become  too  longj,  and  applies  a  shoe,  thick 
and  irregular  at  the  toe,  which  by  increasing  the  resistance  of 
the  foot,  while  ini])hmtc(l  ou  the  ground,  throws  an  additional 
strain  on  the  tendon,  which  pas.ses  under  the  navicular  bone. 

Symptoms. — At  first  slight  lameness,  perhaps  just  after  being 
shod.  There  wdl  be  pointing  of  the  foot.  The  examiner  must 
here  not  confound  ]w)inting  from  lial)it  or  fatigue  with  the  point- 
ing of  lameness.  It  may  come  on  suddenly  and  be  severe,  or  it 
may  come  on  gradually  and  be  slight.  A  horse  suffeiing  from 
15 


226 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEK. 


this  lameness  comes  out  of  the  stable,  after  an  interval  of 
quietude,  stiff  and  lame,  but  after  short  exercise  the  lameness 
disappears.  If  he  be  lame  in  both  feet,  his  step  is  short  and 
stilty,  ?iid  he  seems  rigid  and  bound  by  some  stiffness  of  the 
muscles  of  the  chest  and  shoulders.  These  ])eculiar  symptoms- 
have  produced  the  name  "chest  founder."  There  is  nothing, 
however,  wrong  with  the  shoulders  or  chest.  There  will  be  heat 
and  tenderness  upon  pressure  at  the  hollow  of  the  heel.     There 


Fig.  61 — Navicular  Disease. 


may  be  reaness  of  the  sole.  If  pressure  be  brought  to  bear  on 
the  seat  of  the  navicular  joint,  pain  will  be  evinced.  This  pres- 
sure must  be  gently  applied;  if  not,  the  horse  will  flinch  when 
there  is  no  pain.  The  horse  wears  the  toe  of  the  shoe  of  the 
affected  foot.  If  the  disease  is  of  some  standing,  there  will  be  a 
well  marked  contraction  and  wasting  of  the  foot  and  muscles  of 
the  fore  limbs.  The  horny  frog  presents  a  shriveled  appearance, 
in  some  cases  dwindling  in  size  until  scarcely  any  frog  remains. 
The  fatty  frog  is  also  affected,  causing  a  well  marked  concavity 
of  the  sole. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET.  227 

Treatment. — Remove  the  shoes;  the  frogs  should  be  allowed 
to  touch  the  ground;  blood  is  to  be  withdrawn  from  the  toe,  or 
coronary  plexus,  and  the  feet  placed  in  a  cold  water  bath  for 
several  hours  during  the  day,  and  in  a  poultice  at  night.  This 
metliod  of  treatment,  with  the  addition  of  six  drachms  of  aloes 
internally,  has  proven  successful  in  the  early  stages.  At  the 
end  of  a  fortnight,  whether  the  animal  be  lame  or  not,  a  mild 
blister  should  be  applied  around  the  coronet.  If  this  treatment 
proves  of  no  avail,  a  seton  should  l)e  inserted  through  the  frog. 
The  seton  should  enter  the  frog  about  one  inch  from  its  toe,  and 
brought  out  midway  between  the  bulbs  of  the  frcig  and  the 
anterior  boundary  of  the  hollow  of  the  heel.  The  cuds  of  the 
tape  must  be  tied  together  and  of  sufficient  length  to  aduiit  oi 
a  little  movement  in  dressing.  This  should  be  saturated  with  a 
strong  licpiid  preparation  of  mercury,  red  iodide,  and  cantha- 
rides,  and  moved  a  little  each  day.  Before  the  seton  is  intro- 
duced, a  high-heeled  shoe  should  be  applied  to  prevent  the  parts 
from  comine:  in  contact  with  the  uround.  The  seton  should  be 
allowed  to  remain  three  or  four  weeks.  If  the  pain  be  not  re- 
lieved after  the  seton  has  been  removed  one  month,  treatment 
will  be  useless,  and  the  animal  should  be  put  to  work  and  the 
pain  removed  by  neurotomy. 

The  operation  of  neurotomy  requires  the  employment  of  a 
veterinary  surgeon.  It  is  a  very  simple  operation  to  one  who 
understands  the  anatomy  of  the  parts.  It  consists  of  a  division 
of  the  plantar  nerves.  •  This  operation,  however  successful  in 
some  cases,  should  never  be  performed  on  a  horse  with  thick 
legs  or  thin  feet,  weak  in  the  heels,  or  full  in  the  sole,  or  with 
high  action,  and  only  [tei-formed  where  tlir  laiiicncss  is  other- 
wise incurable.  The  bad  results  of  the  operation  are  fracture 
of  the  navicular  bone,  rui)turc  of  the  tendon,  sloughing  of  the 
hoof,  and  a  gelatinous  degeneration  of  the  bursa,  tendon,  and 
surrounding  tissues.  These  results,  however,  in  my  experience, 
seldom  0<.'cur. 

I  have  successfully  treated  what  seemed  incurable  cases,  and 


228  THE  STOCK  owner's  advisee. 

where  it  was  not  advisable  to  perform  neurotomy,  by  applying 
a  shoe  with  two-inch  calks  on  it,  and  at  the  same  time  paring  the 
toe  as  short  as  possible. 

Each  time  the  horse  is  shod  the  toe  should  be  pared  as  close 
as  possible,  and  the  heels  not  interfered  with.  As  the  foot  is 
gradually  brought  in  this  position,  the  calks  should  be  lowered, 
until  finally  they  can  be  removed  entirely.  This  method  changes 
the  seat  of  disease  in  connection  with  the  bones  and  relieves 
the  tendon. 

LAMINITIS,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  FOOT, 

Occurs  in  the  acute,  sub-acute,  and  chronic  forms.  It  is  also 
known  as  founder.  It  is  one  of  the  most  dreadful  diseases  the 
horse  is  liable  to,  and  is  not  confined  to  the  feet,  although  its 
chief  seat  of  pain  is  there,  frequently,  in  consequence  of  too 
long-delayed  treatment,  separation  of  the  sensitive  from  the  in- 
sensitive lamina  takes  place,  the  os  pedis  descends,  constituting  a 
disease  known  as  pomaced  foot.  In  resolution  the  exudate  is 
removed  by  the  absorptive  process.  When  not  absorbed,  it  is 
greatest  at  the  toe,  and  pomaced  foot  is  the  result.  In  other 
cases  the  os  pedis  may  not  descend,  but  the  functions  will  be  in- 
terfered with,  causing  the  hoof  to  grow  down  in  a  series  of 
ridges. 

Causes. — A  predisposition,  as  weak  and  flat  feet.  The  ex- 
citing cause  is  hard  and  fast  work,  especially  on  paved  roads.  A 
horse  with  high-2:>ounding  action  is  likelier  to  suffer  with  an 
attack  of  laminitis  than  an  animal  having  a  low,  smooth  action. 
Bad  shoeing  may  cause  it.  It  also  follows  any  irritation  or  de- 
rangement of  the  digestive  system,  such  as  may  be  induced  by 
the  administration  of  food  or  drink  in  excessive  quantities.  A 
strong  dose  of  purgative  medicine  may  cause  the  disease,  or 
diarrhoea  from  other  causes  may  produce  it.  I  have  seen  it  fol- 
low parturition,  in  consequence  of  the  irritation  existing  in  con- 
nection with  the  generative  system.  An  inflanunation  of  any 
mucous  membrane  may  extend  to  the  feet  and  produce  laminitis. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


229 


The  whole  body  is  usually  affected.  A  'vvound  inflicted  durino- 
the  progress  of  the  disease  will  not  heal  readily.  It  occasionally 
occurs  in  one  foot  only,  and  in  sucli  ease  may  he  due  to  driving 
the  animal  with  the  shoe  oft',  (lenerally  the  disease  is  confined 
to  the  two  fore  feet,  but  it  is  not  unusual  to  find  all  four  feet 
affected.  A  A^ery  frequent  cause  of  the  disease  is  the  drinking 
of  large  quantities  of  water  when  heated  by  exercise.  Standing 
the  animal  in  a  draft  after  being  heated  by  exercise  is  a  fre- 
quent cause.  It  is  of  greater  occurrence  during  hot  weather, 
being  seldom  seen  in  winter. 

Symptoms. — In  the  acute  form  of  laminitis,  the  symptoms  are 

plain,  and  wlien  once  seen  may  readily  be  recognized  afterward. 

The  disease  is  ushered  in 

by  rigors,  which  quickly 

give    place    to    pyrexia. 

The    pulse    varies    from 

fifty  to  eighty  beats  per 

minute,    which    are    full 

and    bounding.     As    the 

fever     increases,     sweats 

bedew     the     body;     the 

countenance   bears  an 

Fig.  62 — Acute  Lanniutis. 
a  n  X  1  o  u  s      expression, 

which  shows  the  awful  agony  of  the  animal.  The  urine  is 
voided  in  smaller  quantities  than  usual,  and  is  highly  colored. 
If  all  four  feet  are  affected,  he  will  stand  with  all  of  his  feet 
gathered  together  well  up  under  the  bcxly,  and  the  back  is 
roached.  If  you  attempt  to  back  him,  he  offers  all  the  resistance 
in  his  power.  He  moves  backwards  with  every  manifestation  of 
severe  pain,  dragging  the  feet  along  on  the  ground,  and  often 
giving  vent  to  groans.  The  breathing  is  usually  affected  to  a 
considerable  extent,  being  more  or  less  accelerated,  and  greatly 
resembling  the  breathing  of  pneumonia.  On  moving,  the  ani- 
mal exhibits  a  strong  tendency  to  stumble  on  even  ground.  He 
makes  great  eft'ort  to  bring  the  heels  to  the  ground  first,  keep- 


230  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER, 

ing  the  toes  from  contact  with  the  ground.  AVhen  the  fore  feet 
are  affected,  he  stands  with  the  hind  feet  well  under  the  body, 
supporting  the  most  of  his  weight  upon  them,  while  he  stretches 
his  fore  feet  out  in  front  with  the  heels  resting  upon  the  ground. 
Some  few  will  lie  down  when  affected,  and  when  forced  to  rise 
will  spring  with  the  hind  feet  and  stumble  forward  with  a  groan. 
Great  heat  will  be  detected  in  the  region  of  the  coronet,  which 
can  be  easily  felt  through  the  hoof.  The  mouth  is  hot  and  dry, 
and  the  bowels  are  constipated,  except  where  the  disease  is 
caused  by  super-purgation.  (See  illustration.)  Acute  laminitis 
runs  its  course  in  from  four  to  six  days,  and  generally  terminates 
favorably. 

Treatment. — In  this  disease  nothing  has  proven  so  effectual 
as  the  use  of  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  where  it  is  not  caused  by 
super-purgation.  Enemas  should  l)e  administered.  Tincture 
of  aconite.  United  States  pharmaeopa^  tincture,  twenty  drops 
every  three  or  four  hours,  is  liighly  recommended.  Potassium 
nitrate  is  almost  indispensable  in  the  treatment  of  this 
disease.  It  should  be  placed  in  the  drinking  water,  or  given 
in  a  drench  if  he  will  not  take  it  in  water.  Three  ounces  should 
be  given  in  the  course  of  twenty-four  hours.  The  shoes  should 
be  removed  and  warm  fomentation  applied  from  the  knee  down, 
after  which  poultices  of  bran  should  be  applied.  The  poultices 
should  be  kept  up  for  about  forty  hours.  Then,  if  the  animal 
can  be  placed  in  water,  he  should  be  allowed  to  stand  in  the 
stream  or  pond  for  three  hours  at  a  time  during  the  day,  and 
placed  in  a  comfortable,  loose  stall  at  night.  The  shoes  should 
be  tacked  on  the  third  day  after  the  attack  and  the  animal  exer- 
cised. 

If  relief  is  not  obtained  in  four  or  five  days  after  the  above 
treatment  has  been  employed,  it  will  be  certain  that  exudation 
more  or  less  copious  has  taken  place.  The  exudate  must  be  re- 
moved by  cutting  in  at  the  toe  and  allowed  to  escape.  A  very 
slight  exudate  may  be  removed  by  the  absorptive  process.  The 
poultices   should   not  be  continued  too   long.      Plenty  of  cold 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


231 


water  should  be  used,  and  tlie  food  should  be  of  a  cooling  nature, 
such  as  bran  mashes,  etc. 

Sub-acute  and  chronic  laniinitis  is  caused  by  hard  work  and 
irregular  exercise.  The  symptoms  are  those  of  the  acute  form 
modified.  The  treatment,  more  tedious  than  that  of  the  acute 
form,  is  the  same,. except  that  a  blister  should  be  apj^lied  to  the 
coronet  in  the  chronic  form. 

PUMACED  FOOT 

Is  that  condition  of  the  foot  in  which  the  coffin  bone  descends. 
This  condition  occurs  as  a  result  of  laminitis.  It  may  also  be 
caused  by  improper 
shoeing.  The  os 
pedis,  in  some  cases, 
may  force  its  way 
through  the  sole;  in 
such  case  the  animal 
should  be  destroyed. 
The  treatment 
consists  of  removing 
the  shoes,  rest,  poul- 
tices. A  bar  or 
round  shoe  should 
be  applied,  so  that 
it  will  bear  alto- 
gether on  the  wall 
and  frog,  and  not  on  the  sole.  A  horse  suflfcu-ing  from  this  dis- 
ease will  do  very  well  for  work  on  a  farm,  l)ut  cannot  do  fast 
work. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  CORONARY  SUBSTANCE. 

Symptoms. — Harshness  and  brittlencss  uf  the  crust;  loss  of 
toughness  and  pliability;  increased  heat  round  the  coronet  and 
upper  part  of  the  crust;  diminished  secretion  of  horn,  and  a  pecu- 
liar striated  condition  of  the  crust.  The  horse  glides  his  feet 
along  the  ground.     The  duration  of  this  disease  is  a  few  weeks. 


Fig.  63— Pumaced  Foot. 


232 


THE    STOCK    OWNEK  S    ADVISEE. 


It  is  distinguishable  from  laminitis  by  the  peculiar  appearance 
and  bulging  of  the  crust. 

Tkeat.aient. — Ivest,  removal  of  shoes,  poultice,  application  of 
bar  shoe,  cold  application  to  the  coronet,  and  when  the  heat  and 
tenderness  have  subsided  mild  blisters.  Purgatives  should  be 
occasionally  administered. 

CARBUNCLE   OF  THE   CORONARY  BAND. 

This  disease  shows  itself  by  the  formation  of  a  hard  swelling 
on  the  coronet,  accompanied  by  great  pain,  and  febrile  dis- 
turbance. After  a  few 
days,  suppuration  sets  in, 
most  commonly  at  several 
points,  discharging  a  thin, 
unhealthy  pus.  There  is 
sloughing  of  the  sinuses  or 
their  borders.  In  some 
cases  it  extends  up  the 
limb  to  the  hock  or  knee, 
causing  sloughing  of  great 
patches  of  skin  and  sub- 
cutaneous tissue,  exposing 
nerves  and  blood  vessels. 
*^  This  disease  is  due  to 
some  change  in  the  blood, 
and   is   constitutional.     If 


Fig.  64 — Carbuncle. 


the  inflamed  point  be  limited,  and  surrounded  by  healthy  tissue, 
recovery  may  be  expected,  but  if  there  be  extensive  destruction 
of  tissue  an  unfavorable  termination  may  be  looked  for. 

Treatment. — The  wound  should  be  stimulated  thoroughly 
with  a  pencil  of  nitrate  of  silver.  After  using  the  caustic,  the 
foot  should  be  placed  in  a  cold-water  bath  for  an  hour  at  a  time 
during  the  day.  AVhen  the  foot  is  removed  from  the  water,  the 
parts  should  be  dressed  with  a  solution  of  the  tincture  of  ter- 
cbloride  of  iron;  eight  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  given  inter- 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


233 


nally.  The  caustic  is  to  be  employed  every  second  day  until  the 
wound  becomes  healthy.  The  stable  should  be  well  ventilated, 
clean,  and  well  drained.  The  animal  should  receive  nourishing 
food,  and  powd.  gentian,  drachms  three;  powd.  sulphate  of  iron, 
drachms  two,  should  be  used  after  the  febrile  symptoms  have 
disappeared. 

FALSE  QUARTER. 

This  consists  of  a  false  growth,  or  an  abnormal  secretion  of 
the  horn  of  the  wall.  It  is  usually  due  to  an  injury  in  the  region 
of  the  coronet,  such  as  treads,  quittors,  etc.  This  is  not  looked 
upon  as  an  unsoundness.  Treatment  is  rarely  adopted  if  the 
case  is  an  old  one.  If  the  coronet  is  diseased  or  injured,  it 
should  be  treated  as  an  ordinary  wound. 

SAND  CRACK. 

Sand  crack  consists  of  a  fissure  in  any  part  of  the  foot,  com- 
mencing at  the  coronet  and  extending  to  the  bottom  of  the  foot, 
as  a  rule.  It  is  generally  seen  on  the  inner 
quarters  of  the  fore  foot  and  the  toes  of  the 
hind  feet.  A  crack  in  the  center  of  the  foot 
is  termed  a  center  crack,  and  when  situated 
in  the  quarter  a  quarter  crack. 

Sand  crack  connnences  at  the  thin  upper 
margin  of  the  wall,  and  is  usually  small  and 
insignificant  at  first,  but  it  gradually  ex- 
tends downward  and  inwards  until  it 
reaches  the  bottom.  There  is  more  or  less 
lameness  in  connection  with  it  from  the 
fact  that  wdien  the  animal  is  made  to  move 
the  crack  opens  and  closes,  ])inching  the  Fig.  65— Quarter  Crack 
sensitive  structures  and  causing  excruciating  Showing  clasp, 
pain. 

Treatmkxt. — Iicmove  the  shoe  and  a[)iily  poultices  and 
fomentations  to  relieve  the  ii-ritation,  after  which  carefully  trim 
the  edges.     The  crack  must  be  prevented  from  extending  any 


234  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

further  by  bottoming  it.  This  is  done  by  making  a  groove  trans- 
versely at  its  superior  termination.  The  firing  iron  is  the  most 
convenient  instrument  for  doing  this,  and  is  more  successful  than 
cutting.  The  iron  should  be  made  to  burn  through  the  wall 
transversely,  until  the  sensitive  structures  are  almost  exposed 
and  the  exudation  of  a  little  blood  seen,  indicating  that  it  is 
almost  through.  The  iron  should  then  be  placed  in  the  fissure 
and  its  edges  smoothed  with  the  red-hot  iron  from  top  to  bottom. 
The  fissure  should  be  burned  enough  to  set  up  an  irritation.  By 
this  method  I  have  even  seen  the  crack  unite,  though  this  is  held 
by  most  to  be  impossible. 

The  irritation  caused  by  firing  should  be  allayed  by  poultices 
and  fomentations.  A  bar  shoe  should  be  j^laced  on  the  foot  in 
order  to  have  frog  jiressure.  The  wall  is  to  be  cut  down  so  that 
the  shoe  cannot  press  upon  the  crack.  Clenches  should  be  ap- 
plied to  hold  the  crack  together  while  it  grows  down.  The  in- 
strument makers  have  for  sale  clenches  of  various  sizes,  with 
pincers  and  irons  to  burn  the  notches  in  the  wall.  They  are  the 
most  convenient  and  effectual  method  of  holding  the  cracks  to- 
gether. Brass  plates  are  used  and  do  very  well.  A  handy  black- 
smith can,  by  cutting  notches  on  both  sides,  drive  and  clench  a 
horse  nail.  The  whole  secret  of  success  lies  in  preventing  mo- 
tion of  the  parts.  If  the  crack  be  in  the  toe,  side  clasps  should 
be  used  on  the  shoe.  The  growth  of  horn  should  be  stimulated 
by  vesicants.  Two  drachms  of  powdered  cantharides  to  three  or 
four  ounces  of  linseed  oil  mpkes  a  good  dressing  to  the  coronet. 

SEEDY  TOE. 

This  term  is  applied  to  a  perverted  secretion  of  horn  at  the 
lower  margin  of  the  os  pedis,  by  which  the  crust  becomes  de- 
tached from  the  horny  lamina.  It  is  often  a  result  of  laminitis, 
or  of  the  pressure  of  the  clip  of  the  shoe.  A  small  or  large  por- 
tion may  be  affected.  In  many  cases  the  horn  can  be  readily 
broken  down  with  the  finger  and  thumb.  It  gradually  spreads, 
and  exists  for  a  long  time  without  lameness.  If  it  be  not  ar- 
rested in  its  course,  lameness  is  certain  to  appear  sooner  or  later. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


235 


Treatment. — Kemove  all  the  diseased  parts  and  promote  the 
growth  of  horn  bv  blisters,  the  cantharides  blister  being  the  best 
in  this  disease — one  part  of  cantharides  to  ten  of  lard.  The  shoe 
clips  should  be  removed  and  a  bar  shoe  used.  This  condition  is 
an  unsoundness  in  all  its  stages. 

CORNS. 

A  corn  is  the  result  of  a  bruise,  involving  the  stmctvire  of  the 
bars  in  the  angle  of  the  heels;  occurring  in  the  fore  feet  and 
almost  invariably  in  the  inside 
heel,  and  caused  by  bad  shoeing. 
A  corn  consists  of  a  bruise,  and 
extravasation  of  blood,  from  rup- 
ture of  the  small  blood  vessels, 
which  insinuates  itself  into  horny 
texture  and  gives  it  the  charac- 
teristic red  appearance.  It  may 
terminate  in  suppuration,  partial 
necrosis,  horn  tumor,  or  forma- 
tion of  bony  spicula  of  the  pedal 
bone.  A  corn  constitute  an  un- 
soundness in  all  its  stages. 

Treatmext. — R  e  m  o  v  e  the 
shoe,  and  having  decided  that  a  corn  is  present,  pare  it  down 
nicely.  If  the  corn  has  festered,  give  exit  to  the  pus.  Poul- 
tice the  foot  for  a  few  days,  when  the  shoe  recommended  by 
Professor  Williams,  previously  referred  to,  should  be  applied. 
This  shoe  docs  not  reach  the  seat  of  corn.  If  animals  were 
shod  with  such  shoes,  corns  would  be  unknown.  A  round 
shoe  may  be  used  with  good  results.  Sometimes  a  fungoid 
growth  springs  up  when  suppuration  has  occurred.  In  such 
a  case  nitrate  of  silver  should  be  applied,  or  corrosive  subli- 
mate. "Where  the  corn  has  not  suppurated,  it  may  be  dressed 
wltli  pure  carbolic  acid. 


Fig.  66— Corn. 


236  THE    STOCK    OWiXEr's    ADVISEE. 


THRUSH. 


A  discharge  of  a  very  fetid  material  from  tlie  frog,  arising 
from  a  diseased  condition  of  the  secretory  surface  of  the  fatty 
frog.  The  cleft  is  the  part  commonly  affected.  If  neglected, 
the  disease  spreads  over  the  whole  organ,  detaching  the  horn 
from  the  bulbs  of  the  heel  to  the  toe  of  the  frog.  Thrush  is 
caused  by  standing  in  filthy  stables  or  running  in  a  filthy  barn- 
yard; hence  it  occurs  more  frequently  in  the  hind  than  in  the 
fore  feet.  The  heavy  breeds  of  horses  are  the  most  frequent 
sufferers  from  thrush.  It  is  not  a  very  serious  condition,  and 
seldom  produces  lameness  of  any  extent. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  cause  and  place  the  animal  in  a 
dry  stall.  It  is  not  necessary  to  lay  the  animal  off  work.  ISTu- 
merous  methods  of  treatment  have  been  laid  down  by  the  best 
authors,  some  of  them  very  cumbersome.  The  treatment  which 
I  would  recommend,  and  which  has  proven  a  direct  sj^ecific  in 
my  hands,  is  the  application  of  pure  carbolic  acid  to  the  frog;  to 
this  apply  sulphate  of  zinc  in  its  undiluted  form,  and  mix  the 
two  well  into  the  parts.  Next,  dust  calomel  over  the  whole.  Use 
plenty  of  the  acid  and  zinc,  and  take  time  to  w^ork  it  well  into 
the  parts.  Xext,  roll  a  piece  of  absorbing  cotton  in  calomel  and 
fill  all  the  little  crevices  with  it,  pressing  it  firmly  to  the  bottom 
and  filling  them  up.  If  this  is  properly  aj^plied  it  will  require 
but  one  dressing;  in  bad  cases,  two  dressings.  The  animal  should 
be  kept  at  work. 

CANKER. 

Canker  consists  of  a  malignant  growth  of  a  fungoid  nature, 
and  usually  occurs  as  the  result  of  an  injury,  as  punctures. 
Separation  of  the  insensitive  from  the  sensitive  sole  takes  place, 
and  a  growth  of  an  extremely  vascular  nature  springs  up,  ex- 
tending partly  over  the  foot,  causing  a  considerable  amount  of 
suffering.  It  is  generally  confined  to  the  heavy  horse,  such  being 
predisposed  to  the  disease.     The  characteristic  symptoms  of  the 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


237 


disease  are  strongly  marked,  and  consist  of  an  abundant,  fetid, 
colorless  discharge  from  the  frog,  which  is  large,  spongy,  and 
covered  with  vascular  prominences  of  a  fungoid  nature.  The 
growth  extends,  involving  the  whole  frog  and  sole,  and  if  not 
checked  will  ultimately  produce  deformity  of  the  whole  hoof. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  tedious.  The  diseased  surface 
should  be  removed,  as  well  as  the  whole  sole,  by  the  knife.  To 
remove  the  sole,  cut  down  at  the  junction  of  the  wall  and  sole, 
and  follow  it  all  around.  Then  cut  it  in  halves.  Throw  the  ani- 
mal, and  rei^nove  every  trace  of  the  horny  covering  of  both  sole 
and  frog.  Dress  the  whole  of  the  surface  with  a  strong  solution 
of  nitrate  of  silver.  Pack  up  with  tow  or  cotton,  and  place  a 
boot  on  the  foot.  Do  not  remove  the  dressing  for  two  days.  In 
removing  the  dressing  it  should  first  be  soaked  with  water  in 
order  to  break  its  adhesion  from  the  tender  surface.  Xitric  acid 
may  be  used  to  destroy  the  growth  that  sometimes  spring*  up 
after  the  removal  of  the  horn.  Usually,  after  the  removal  of  the 
horn,  the  foot  presents  a  healthy  appearance,  and  requires  but 
little  more  than  cleanliness.  Professor  Williams  recommends 
the  use  of  cromic  acid  in  the  treatment  of  canker.  Sulphuric 
acid  may  be  used  in  its  undiluted  state.  When  a  thin  pellicle  of 
horn  has  formed,  gentle  pressure,  by  means  of  tow  dipped  in  tar, 
should  be  used.  The  animal  should  be  given  a  dose  of  aloes, 
followed  with  a  half  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash  and  an  ounce  of 
sweet  spirits  of  nitre.  This  requires,  under  favorable  circum- 
stances, a  period  of  two  moutlis. 

QUITTOR, 

A  fistulous  opening  at  the  upper  portion  of  the  hoof,  extending 
down  between  the  sensitive  and  the  insensitive  lamina.  It  is 
generally  caused  by  treads,  pricks  in  shoeing,  suppurating  corns, 
or  any  other  injury  calculated  to  excite  the  suppurative  action 
within  the  foot. 

Symptoms. — Lameness,  a  hard  swelling  in  the  region  of  the 
coronet,  the  softening  and  discharge  of  pus.     A  sinus  is  formed, 


238 


THE    STOCK    OWKEK  S    ADVISER. 


and  the  wound  shows  no  disposition  to  heal.  Sometimes  it  ex- 
tends, involving  the  whole  coronary  substance,  presenting  a 
number  of  openings. 

Treatmext. — It  is  very  difficult  to  treat.     If  caused  by  a 
corn  or  a  prick,  an  opening  must  be  made  in  the  sole,  and  the 


Fig.  67 — Foot  Lameness. 

pus  allowed  to  escape.  This,  along  with  poultices  for  a  few  days, 
with  a  blister  to  the  coronet,  will  often  be  sufficient.  "Where 
there  is  no  communication  existing  between  the  wound  and  sole 
of  the  foot,  the  sinus  must  be  layed  open,  the  knife  inserted  in 
the  sinus,  and  cut  throughout  its  entire  length.  A  strong  solu- 
tion of  bichloride  of  mercury,  two  drachms  of  mercury  to  an 
ounce  of  water,  should  be  injected.  Poultices  should  now  be 
applied  for  a  few  days.  Dressings  of  undiluted  carbolic  acid  are 
beneficial. 

When  quitter  involves  the  lateral  cartilages,  the  horse  must 
be  cast,  and  an  incision  made  at  the  junction  of  the  horny  wall 
and  coronary  substance,  immediately  below  the  seat  of  disease, 
and.  folded  upward  in  the  form  of  a  flap.    The  diseased  portions 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


239 


should  be  carefully  removed  with  the  knife  and  the  skin  brought 
back  to  its  original  position  and  retained  there  by  bandages.  In 
some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  strip  off  part  of  the  wall. 
When  the  discharge  ceases  and  the  wound  heals,  the  slight  ten- 


Fig.  68 — Quittor. 


Fig.  69 — Bruise  of    Sensitive  Sole.    An  indi- 
cation of  foot  lameness. 


derness  that  remains  may  be  removed  by  a  vesicant.  The  can- 
tharides  blister  has  proven  to  be  tlie  best  in  all  foot  lamenesses. 
Quittor  is  an  unsoundness  in  all  its  stages. 


BRUISE  OF  THE  SENSITIVE  SOLE. 

Bruise  of  the  sensitive  sole  may  occur  in  many  ways,  and  is 
shown  by  lameness.  Heat  is  present  and  there  is  more  or  less 
extravasation  of  blood.  On  tapping  or  pinching,  the  animal 
evinces  pain 

Treatment. — Remove  the  shoe  and  thin  the  sole  to  a  certain 
extent.  Apply  poultices  and  fomentations.  Keep  the  foot 
moist  for  a  day  or  two,  give  rest,  and  as  a  rule  he  quickly  re- 
covers. 


240 


THE    STOCK    OWNEK  S    ADVISER. 


CALKS  AND  TREADS. 

Injuries  of  this  kind  are  connnun,  especially  cUiriner  the  win- 
ter, when  shoes  with  sharp  heels  and  toes  are  nsed. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  shoe  and  apply  a  poultice.     Apply 
zinc  sulphate,  drachms  six;  lead  acetate,  ounce  one;  water,  one 

pint,  three  times  a  day  to 
the  wound.  If  there  is 
hemorrhage  following  the 
accident,  it  may  be  ar- 
rested Ly  pressure  around 
the  fetlock,  which  should 
be  allowed  to  remain  for 
some  time. 

PRICKING. 

Pricking  a  horse  when 
shoeing  him  consists  in 
driving  the  nail  into  the 
sensitive  structures  in- 
stead of  through  the  in- 
sensitive homy  wall  of 
the  hoof.  Many  cases  of  pricks  are  caused  by  drawn  nails. 
The  smith  drives  the  nail  into  the  sensitive  part  of  the  foot, 
draws  it  out,  and  drives  it  again.  The  result  is  great  lame- 
ness in  a  day  or  two.  If  the  nail  had  been  withdrawn  and  the 
animal  kept  quiet  for  a  day  or  two,  there  would  not  be  any 
bad  results.  Lameness  often  occurs  from  the  shoulder  of  the 
nail  pressing  upon  the  sensitive  lamina,  in  consequence  of  the 
nail  having  been  driven  too  close.  In  such  cases  the  lameness 
does  not  come  on  for  a  week  or  so.  Pricks  usually  manifest 
themselves  shortly  after  the  animal  has  been  shod.  The  first 
step  in  the  treatment  is  to  pare  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  punc- 
ture and  allow  the  pus  to  escape.  Apply  poultices  to  allay  the 
irritation.  Dress  the  wound  with  equal  parts  of  iodine,  tui*pen- 
tine,  and  carbolic  acid. 


Fig.  70— Calk. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 


241 


PUNCTURED   WOUNDS   OF   THE   FEET. 

Punctured  wounds  of  the  feet  by  nails  are  very  common. 
They  are  sometimes  hard  to  find,  and  if  puncture  is  suspected  a 
careful  and  thorough  examination  should  be  made.  If  the  navi- 
cular joint  be  penetrated,  serious  consequences  follow.  If  the 
nail  punctures  the  fatty  frog-  and  goes  deeply  into  the  foot  in 


Fig.  71 — Puncture  of  Navicular  Joint. 

that  region  it  does  not  constitute  a  serious  trouble.  The  diag- 
nostic symptoms  are  nursing  of  the  foot  and  a  knuckling  of 
the  fetlock  during  progression. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  animal  perfectly  quiet  and  open  the 
puncture  with  the  knife  to  its  bottom.  Saturate  a  piece  of  cot- 
ton large  enough  to  fill  the  cavity  with  equal  parts  of  iodine, 
turpentine,  and  carbolic  acid.  Dress  twice  a  day.  If  the  animal 
is  kept  quiet,  and  this  method  of  treatment  employed,  suppura- 
tion will  seldom  take  place,  and  the  animal  will  be  ready  for 
work  in  a  few  days. 


16 


XV. 

WOUNDS. 

A  wound  may  be  defined  as  a  solution  of  continuity  of  the 
soft  structures.  Wounds  are  classified  as  incised,  punctured, 
lacerated,  contused,  gunshot,  and  poisoned. 

The  incised  wound  is  that  made  with  a  clean-cutting  instru- 
ment. 

PUNCTURED  WOUNDS. 

Punctured  wounds  are  such  as  are  inflicted  by  means  of  a 
sharp  or  blunt  instrument.  This  variety  of  wound  is  character- 
ized by  depth  greater  than  its. width.  It  is  of  a  more  dangerous 
character  than  incised  wounds. 

LACERATED  WOUNDS. 

Lacerated  wounds  are  those  in  which  the  soft  tissues  are  more 
or  less  torn.  ISTot  only  the  skin  and  areolar  tissue,  but  in  many 
cases  the  muscles  are  torn. 

CONTUSED  WOUNDS. 

Contused  wound  is  an  injury  inflicted  by  some  blunt  object 
without  perforation  of  the  skin.  The  deeper  structures  are  more 
or  less  involved,  causing  a  certain  amount  of  effusion  to  take 
place.  There  will  be  an  extravasation  of  blood.  A  clot  is 
formed,  which  either  causes  suppuration  or  is  removed  by  ab- 
sorption. 

GUNSHOT  WOUNDS. 

Gunshot  wounds  are  rare,  except  in  war.  They  are  followed 
by  inflammation,  mortification,  resolution,  and  death. 

(242) 


WOUNDS.  243 

POISONED  WOUNDS. 

Poisoned  wounds  result  from  a  bite  of  some  venomous  reptile, 
or  may  be  caused  bv  injudicious  use  of  caustics. 

TREATMENT  OF  WOUNDS. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  wounds  varies  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  being  governed  by  their  situation,  nature,  and 
variety.  If  it  be  an  incised  wound,  it  is  very  simple.  If  there 
is  hemorrhage  present,  it  must  be  arrested.  If  from  an  artery, 
the  blood  is  of  a  bright  red  color,  and  spurts  out  in  jets,  indi- 
cating the  beats  of  the  heart.  If  the  artery  be  one  of  good  size, 
the  end  of  it  must  be  searched  for,  drawn  out  by  the  forceps, 
and  ligatured.  Venous  bleeding  is  usually  easily  arrested  by 
l^ressure,  or  by  an  astringent  application,  such  as  a  solution  of 
the  chloride  of  iron,  hot  and  cold  application,  the  actual  cau- 
tery, etc.  lYhen  the  bleeding  is  arrested,  the  wound  should  be 
carefully  and  gently  sponged  with  tepid  water.  The  water 
should  be  squeezed  out  of  the  sponge  on  the  wound,  the  sponge 
touching  the  wound  very  lightly.  The  edges  of  the  wound  are 
kept  together  by  means  of  sutures,  pins,  plasters,  and  bandages. 
Plasters  are  rarely  used  in  veterinary  practice,  but  their  em- 
ployment, especially  in  the  lower  portion  of  the  limbs,  may  be 
preferred  to  that  of  suture.  Various  forms  of  sutures  are  em- 
ployed for  keeping  the  edges  of  the  wound  together.  The  inter- 
rupted suture  is  that  mostly  in  use,  its  material  being  silk. 

The  suture  is  formed  by  passing  the  silk  or  wire  through  the 
edges  of  the  wound,  drawing  them  together  and  tying  the  ends. 
The  twisted  suture  is  the  form  employed  to  close  the  wound 
when  bleeding.  In  the  absence  of  a  special  pin,  which  can  now 
be  procured,  an  ordinary  one  may  be  used.  Bring  the  edges  of 
the  wound  together,  and  secure  in  place  by  means  of  the  pin, 
which  in  its  turn  is  to  be  retained  in  position  by  waxed  hair,  or 
silk,  which  is  wound  around  tlie  pin  after  the  manner  of  figure 
eight.    The  pin  should  be  introduced  from  the  outside  inwards, 


244  THE  STOCK  owner's  advisek. 

aiid  carried  out  tliroiigh  the  opposite  side  at  the  same  distance 
from  the  edge  as  the  point  of  entry. 

aUILLED  SUTURE. 

This  variety  consists  of  two  pieces  of  whalebone,  wood,  or 
similar  material,  one  on  each  side  of  the  wound,  and  connected 
by  a  silk  cord,  wire,  etc.  The  needle  should  pierce  the  skin  not 
closer  than  an  inch  from  the  edge.  This  form  of  suture  is 
usually  employed  in  rupture,  or  lacerated  peritoneum.  It  is 
useful  in  very  large  wounds  where  the  lips  have  a  tendency  to 
gape.    It  prevents  the  sutures  from  tearing  out. 

THE  INTEKRUPTED  SUTURE 

Consists  of  one  continuous  thread,  forming  all  the  stitches  of 
the  wound.  It  is  objectionable  for  the  reason  that  if  one  stitch 
gives  way  all  give  way.  A  small  opening  should  always  be  left 
at  the  most  dej)endent  part  of  the  wound  to  allow  the  drainage 
of  pus.  The  operator  can  judge  from  the  animal's  disposition, 
whether  it  be  necessary  to  cast  or  not.  As  a  local  application  to 
incised  wounds,  zinc  sulphate,  six  drachms;  lead  acetate,  one 
ounce;  acid  carbolicum,  drachms  four;  %vater,  one  quart,  should 
be  used.  It  should  be  gently  squeezed  out  of  a  sponge  and  allowed 
to  trickle  over  the  surrounding  skin,  care  being  taken  that  the 
sutures  be  not  disturbed,  nor  the  dried  discharge  which  covers  the 
surface  of  the  fissure  removed.  Fomentations,  hot  or  cold,  and 
especially  hot,  should  be  withheld,  because  they  have  a  tendency 
to  bring  on  suppurative  action. 

If  the  wound  does  well,  the  sutures  should  be  removed  after 
the  sixth  or  seventh  day.  If,  however,  the  wound  begins  tc 
gape,  the  surrounding  parts  to  inflame,  and  pus  be  discharged, 
it  should  be  gently  bathed  with  tepid  water.  A  thin  piece  of 
absorbing  cotton  saturated  with  diluted  boracic  acid  should  be 
laid  on  the  wound,  and  retained  there  by  means  of  loose  ban- 
dages placed  a  little  distance  from  the  wound.  Where  this  can- 
not be  conveniently  done,  the  boracic  acid  should  be  applied 


WOUNDS.  245 

more  frequently,  merely  dampening  the  wound  at  each  applica- 
tion. Carbolic  acid,  one  part  to  forty  of  water,  makes  a  good 
dressing. 

CoNSTiTUTioKAL  Tkeatmekt. — The  animal  should  have  a  cool- 
ing diet,  such  as  bran  mashes;  eight  drachms  of  aloes  should  be 
given  and  the  horse  allowed  to  lay  up. 

The  treatment  of  punctured  wounds,  when  shallow  and  at- 
tended with  little  or  no  bruising,  should  be  directed  to  the  pro- 
motion of  adhesion'.  As  long  as  the  oozing  continues  from  the 
orifice  cold-water  bathing  is  to  be  practiced.  When  no  more 
blood  or  serosity  issues,  a  pledget  of  tow  dipped  in  collodion  may 
be  applied.  As  in  the  incised  wound,  one  ounce  of  acetate  of 
lead,  six  drachms  of  zinc  sulphate,  three  drachms  carbolic  acid, 
one  quart  water,  should  l)e  used.  The  constitutional  treatment 
is  the  same.  In  more  serious  cases,  or  in  the  simpler  ones,  when 
inflammatory  swelling  supervenes,  the  wound  must  be  poulticed 
and  dressed  with  the  Avhite  lotion.  Carbolic  acid,  one  part  to 
forty  of  water,  may  be  used.  If  excessive  granulation  takes 
place,  it  should  be  touched  with  the  nitrate  of  silver.  If  the 
zinc  and  lead  lotion  is  used  from  the  beginning,  there  will  not  be 
excessive  granulations.  The  treatment  of  bruises  or  contused 
wounds  is  that  calculated  to  suppress  inflammation  and  prevent 
ploughing.  An  effort  must  be  made  to  soothe  and  prevent  undue 
inflammatory  reaction.  For  this  ]nirpose,  warm  fomentations 
and  poultices  are  to  be  ajiplied.  If  much  blood  is  imprisoned  in 
the  tissues,  it  should  be  removed,  and  where  sloughing  is  present 
the  process  of  suppuration  should  be  assisted  by  poultices  and 
fomentations.  If  there  be  excessive  hemorrhage,  it  must  be 
arrested  by  pressure,  or  cut  down  and  ligatured.  During  the 
process  of  sloughing,  the  animal's  sti-cngth  should  be  supported 
by  beer,  wine,  or  the  use  of  tonics.  Two  drachms  of  iron  sul- 
phate combined  with  three  drachms  of  powdered  gentian  may 
be  given 

The  treatment  of  lacerated  wounds  is  directed  towards  the 
promotion  of  adhesion.     Sutures  are  generally  of  no  use;  the 


246  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

parts  should  be  kept  in  position  by  means  of  collodion,  or  styptic 
colloid,  with  absolute  rest.  If  inflammation  and  suppuration 
supervene,  the  treatment  must  be  changed  to  one  promoting  the 
separation  of  a  slough  and  the  growth  of  healthy  granulation. 
Irrigation  with  warm  water  and  the  application  of  the  zinc  and 
lead  lotion,  carbolic  acid,  and  other  antiseptics  are  best  adapted 
for  this  purpose. 

The  treatment  of  gunshot  wounds  should  be  similar  to  that 
of  contused  and  punctured  wounds.  If  the  lead  is  still  in  the 
body  it  should  be -removed  by  incision,  forceps,  or  otherwise.  If 
it  cannot  be  removed  without  a  very  large  incision,  it  is  best  to 
allow  it  to  remain.  It  will  generally  be  brought  within  reach 
by  the  contraction  and  by  the  flow  of  the  pus,  or  it  may  be  in- 
cysted  and  give  no  further  trouble.  If  a  ball  lodges  in  the  sub- 
stance of  a  bone,  it  should  be  removed  by  a  trephine,  or  death 
of  the  bone  will  follow.  Wounds  in  the  abdominal  parietes,  if 
shallow,  should  be  allowed  a  free  escape  of  pus,  otherwise  the 
pus  will  l)urrow  between  the  abdominal  fascia  and  muscles.  It 
may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  to  dilate  the  opening.  The  hair 
should  be  clipped  from  around  the  wound,  and  it  should  be  kept 
perfectly  clean.  The  deeper  punctures  must  be  treated  with  a 
view  of  preventing  the  escape  of  the  intestines.  The  discharge 
must  have  free  exit,  and  the  weakened  walls  should  be  supported 
by  a  broad  bandage  sewed  around  the  body.  The  bandage  should 
be  of  a  thin  substance,  so  that  the  pus  can  easily  pass  through. 
When  the  peritoneal  cavity  is  actually  penetrated,  or  even  when 
nearly  so,  the  treatment  should  be  directed  to  lessening  the  dan- 
ger of  peritonitis.  Purgatives  are  to  be  withheld;  an  ounce  of 
tincture  of  opium  should  be  given  and  the  bowels  emptied  by 
enemas.  Incised  wounds  upon  the  belly  are  to  be  treated  with 
strong  sutures,  the  collodion  paste,  and  broad  bandage  around 
the  body.  The  result  of  wounds  in  this  region  is  the  production 
of  a  hernia. 

In  treating  frost  bites,  cold  applications  should  first  be  used. 
If  sloughing  has  commenced,  poultices  should  be  used.     The 


WOUNDS.  247 

wound  should  be  irrigated  and  zinc  sulphate,  six  ^rachms;  lead 
acetate,  one  ounce;  acid  carbolic,  four  drachms;  water,  one 
quart,  applied  to  the  wound.  Deodorizers  are  usefulj  such  as 
charcoal  dusted  on  the  parts. 

In  treating-  burns  and  scalds  the  parts  are  to  be  dressed  with 
carron  oil — namely,  linseed  oil  and  lime  water,  equal  parts. 
After  dressing  with  the  oil,  flour  should  be  applied  over  all,  as  it 
assists  the  oil  in  excluding  the  air.  Cotton  or  wool  may  be  used 
until  the  oil  and  flour  can  be  got  to  exclude  the  air.  Nitrate  of 
silver,  five  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water,  has  been  recommended, 
and  should  be  applied  as  often  as  it  dries  for  several  hours.  A 
purgative  should  be  given  and  the  animal  supported  by  stimu- 
lants, such  as  wine  or  whiskey.  AVhen  pus  forms  the  wound  is 
to  be  treated  like  any  suppurating  wound.  The  zinc  and  lead 
lotion  is  a  splendid  dressing  to  the  parts. 

The  treatment  of  the  bite  of  poisonous  insects  consists  in  pre- 
venting absorption  into  the  circulation  by  tying  a  ligature 
around  the  bitten  limb  upon  the  heart-side  of  the  wound.  The 
parts  should  be  immediately  excised  and  the  actual  cautery  ap- 
plied. Stimulants,  as  brandy  or  whiskey,  should  be  given  in 
large  quantities.  The  injection  of  ammonia  into  the  veins  has 
been  recommended.  Arsenic  has  also  been  recommended.  The 
following  has  been  useful  in  human  patients:  Bromine,  five 
drachms;  bichloride  of  mercury,  two  grains,  and  iodide  of  potas- 
sium, four  grains.  The  dose  for  the  human  being  is  ten  drops. 
In  the  horse,  sixty  minims  should  be  used  at  one  dose. 

RESULTS  OF  WOUNDS. 

Tetanus,  or  lockjaw,  is  a  result  of  wounds,  and  usually  fol- 
lows punctured  wounds.  Lockjaw  usually  appears  about  the 
eighth  or  ninth  day,  when  the  wound  is  beginning  to  heal. 

Erysipelas  is  a  result  of  wounds.  It  consists  of  an  inflam- 
mation of  the  skin  and  subcutaneous  areolar  tissue,  characterized 
by  diffused  swelling  of  the  parts  affected,  which  has  a  remarkable 
tendency  to  spread,  and  is  dependent  upon  some  alteration  of 


248  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

the  blood.    Qdematous  erysipelas  is  the  most  common  form,  and 
generally  follows  wounds  of  the  extremities  in  debilitated  horses. 

Symptoms. — About  four  days  after  an  injury,  the  skin  in  the 
immediate  neighborhood  of  the  wound  is  found  swollen,  smooth, 
hot,  shiny,  tender,  and  painful.  The  swollen  surface  pits  on 
pressure,  as  a  rule.  The  pulse  becomes  quick,  rigors  are  present, 
and  the  animal  is  fevered. 

Phlegmonous  erysipelas  is  much  more  violent  than  the  ode- 
matous,  and  produces  a  great  amount  of  constitutional  disturb- 
ance, partaking  of  a  typhoid  character.  It  manifests  itself  in 
tw^enty-four  hours  after  the  reception  of  the  wound,  by  swelling, 
the  pulse  running  seventy  to  eighty  beats  to  the  minute.  This 
disease  causes  gangrene  and  sloughing  of  the  tissues.  The  bow- 
els are  constipated,  the  urine  scanty  and  highly  colored.  Occa- 
sionally the  inflammation  extends  into  the  articulation  nearest 
the  injury,  and  the  case  becomes  complicated  with  open  joint. 

Treatment. — Open  the  bowels  with  eight  drachms  of  aloes. 
The  swollen  parts  are  to  be  frequently  fomented,  bandaged,  and 
dressed  with  the  zinc  and  lead  lotion.  The  tincture  of  the  ter- 
chloride  of  iron,  in  two-drachm  doses,  should  be  administered 
after  the  purgative  has  acted. 

In  the  phlegmonous  form,  the  treatment  is  similar,  except 
that  the  tincture  of  aconite,  in  twenty-drop  doses,  should  be  ad- 
ministered to  allay  the  fever. 

Locally,  zinc  sulphate,  drachms  six;  lead  acetate,  one  ounce, 
in  a  quart  of  water,  may  be  used.  The  parts  are  to  be  fomented 
with  warm  water  and  smeared  with  the  extract  of  belladonna. 
If  abscesses  form,  they  must  l)e  opened. 

MODES  OF  HEALING. 

Wounds  heal  in  various  ways,  and  the  mode  of  healing  de- 
pends upon  certain  conditions,  such  as  the  character  of  the 
wound,  the  state  of  the  patient's  health,  and  the  manner  of  treat- 
ment. 


WOUNDS.  249 

Immediate  (Jmon. — This  can  only  be  effected  in  incised 
wounds  where  the  tissues  are  evenly  divided.  The  lips  of  the 
wound  should  be  immediately  brought  together;  the  blood,  if 
any  be  shed,  is  thus  pressed  out,  and  the  divided  blood  vessels 
and  nerves  are  brought  into  perfect  coH^act  and  union  readily 
takes  place.  It  is  necessary  that  the  parts  be  in  perfect  contact 
and  in  complete  repose,  and  that  means  be  taken  to  prevent  the 
occurrence  of  inflammation. 

Primary  Adhesion. — When  the  mouths  of  the  divided  ves- 
sels are  entirely  closed,  an  inflammation  of  the  parts  invariably 
follows,  and  furnishes  the  material  for  union  by  throwing  out 
coagulable  lymph.  The  lymph  connects  the  two  cut  edges,  and 
finally  forms  between  them  a  thin  layer  of  connective  tissue,  on 
the  surface  of  which  a  layer  of  cuticle  is  developed.  UnioH  by 
primary  adhesion  may  be  accomplished  in  a  very  short  time, 
usually  in  two  or  three  days. 

Healing  by  Granulation. — It  is  by  this  method  that  the 
majority  of  wounds  heal.  At  first  a  considerable  extravasation 
of  blood  takes  place.  Soon  the  blood  gradually  ceases  to  flow 
from  the  surface  of  the  wound;  it  becomes  paler,  and  ultimately 
collects,  like  a  whitish  film  glazing  on  the  surface,  containing  an 
abundance  of  corpuscles,  which  become  converted  into  pus  cor- 
puscles. The  next  process  is  the  production  of  the  material  to 
be  organized  into  granulations.  It  is  seen  to  fill  up  the  wound, 
being  a  substance  of  a  velvety  character.  These  are  the  granu- 
lations. If  examined  microscopically,  there  will  be  seen  nu- 
merous cells  heaped  together,  irregularly  arranged  and  con- 
nected by  intermediate  substance,  termed  protoplasm.  They 
are  of  varying  sizes  and  shapes.  The  development  of  tlu>  cells 
gradually  assumes  the  character  of  connective  tissue,  and  the 
wound  gradually  fills  up,  healing  from  the  bottom.  Granula- 
tions are  sometimes  arrested  in  their  development;  from  some 
unknown  causes,  as  in  indolent  wounds  and  ulcers,  the  cells  will 
not  develop  for  weeks.     Sometimes  there  is  excessive  granula- 


250  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

tion,  commonly  known  as  "proud  flesh,"  and  the  healing  pro- 
cess is  retarded. 

Healing  Under  a  Scab. — This  is  the  natural  method  of 
healing  wounds,  and  the  method  in  which  all  small  wounds  heal, 
when  not  interfered  with.  The  scab  is  formed  of  the  fluids  that 
ooze  from  their  surface,  dust  and  other  foreign  substance  en- 
tangled in  the  fluid.  This  forms  an  air-tight  covering,  and  if 
allowed  to  remain  undisturbed  for  a  few  days  it  will  drop  off, 
when  it  is  found  that  the  parts  underneath  are  healed.  In  cases 
where  irritation  is  present,  and  pus  forms  beneath  the  scab,  it 
should  be  removed  and  a  new  scab  allowed  to  form.  The  scar 
that  remains  may  be  improved  by  gradually  loosening,  so  that 
it  may  move  easily  on  the  adjacent  parts.  The  tissue  of  the  scar 
extends  down  deep  into  the  wound,  fastening  itself  immovably 
upon  its  surface.  If  manipulated,  it  will  finally  become  more 
elastic  and  looser,  and  the  morbid  adhesions  freed.  It  never  as- 
sumes the  exact  character  of  the  original  tissue,  and  the  scar 
remains  throughout  the  animal's  life;  but  the  rudimental  tex- 
tures may  be  removed,  the  fibro-cellular  tissue  improved,  and  the 
new  cuticle  caused  to  take  on  the  condition,  to  an  extent,  of  the 
surrounding  tissue.  Lubricants,  absorbents,  and  rubbing  will 
relieve  the  scar. 


XVI. 
INJURIES  IN  THE  REGION  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

The  lip  is  sometimes  lacerated.  The  treatment  is  the  same  as 
for  like  injury  in  any  other  part,  save  that  in  these  parts  there 
shonkl  be  as  little  tissue  removed  as  possible.  An  endeavor  must 
be  made  to  bring  about  a  union  of  the  divided  parts.  Sutures 
should  be  used  instead  of  cutting  and  removing  the  divided 
parts,  as  is  usually  done. 

A  tumor  sometimes  forms  on  the  lip;  at  first  it  is  firm  and 
solid  to  the  touch,  of  variable  size,  occurring  either  spontane- 
ously or  as  the  result  of  a  sting;  in  a  day  or  two  it  bursts  and  sup- 
purates.    It  requires  little  treatment  except  fomentations. 

BRUISES  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

Various  parts  of  the  mouth  and  tongue,  and  the  rami  of  the 
lower  jaw,  are  sometimes  bruised  and  injured  by  the  teeth  or  by 
severe  bites.  These  have  been  no^:ed  in  diseases  of  bone.  I 
would  here  simply  state  that  when  a  horse  is  injured  by  a  bit  or 
curb,  time  should  be  allowed  for  the  mouth  and  jaw  to  regain 
their  natural  condition  before  the  animal  is  bitted,  and  then  the 
bit  should  be  of  the  lightest  and  easiest  description. 

EPITHELIOMA. 

This  is  a  growth  of  a  fibrous  character,  and  usually  of  malig- 
nant nature.  The  disease  is  rarely  met  with  in  the  lower  ani- 
mals. Extirpation  of  the  growth  should  be  attempted  by  the 
use  of  caustics,  or  perhaps  what  is  better,  the  knife.  Carbolic 
acid  is  a  most  efficient  remedy — one  part  of  acid  to  thirty  of 
water.  In  cases  where  the  disease  has  been  allowed  to  run  its 
course  unchecked  for  a  considerable  length  of  time,  when  the 
alveolar  processes  have  become  involved,  and  the  teeth  loosened, 
the  animal  should  be  destroyed,  as  treatment  will  end  in  failure. 

(251) 


252  THE  STOCK  owxer's  abviser. 

THEUSH. 

A  crop  of  small  vesicles,  or  even  pustules,  occasionally  appears 
ill  the  mouth,  particularly  during  the  process  of  dentition.  In 
cattle,  sheep  and  pigs  thrush  is  common.  The  animal  takes  food 
with  great  difficulty. 

Tkeatmext. — Removal  of  the  cause,  and  use  alum  as  a  wash. 
Chlorate  of  potash  is  good.  Carbolic  acid,  one  part  of  acid  to 
forty  of  water  may  be  tried.  If  ulcers  form  they  are  to  be 
touched  with  the  nitrate  of  silver. 

LAMPAS. 

Lampas  consists  of  a  congested  state  of  the  gums  behind  the 
bars.  This  is  often  seen  between  the  age  of  three  and  five;  sel- 
dom in  old  horses  except  from  some  internal  ailment.  We  are 
frequently  called  upon  to  burn,  or  otherwise  remove  the  trouble 
in  old  horses,  whose  gums  are  perfectly  normal.  All  manner  of 
persuasion  sometimes  fails  to  convince  some  men  that  the  gums 
need  no  lancing,  -and  if  we  decline  some  barbarous  fellow,  who 
has  no  feeling  for  poor  animals,  is  ready  for  the  task.  It  is  sel- 
dom that  colts,  during  the  process  of  teething,  need  their  gums 
lanced.  Many  a  poor  animal  has  suffered  the  barbarous  method 
of  burning  the  gums  when  they  were  normal.  In  a  few  cases 
where  it  becomes  necessary  to  operate,  the  gums  should  be  lanced 
with  an  ordinary  lance,  or  a  knife.  The  incisions  should  be  very 
light,  and  anterior  to  the  third  bar.  After  scarifying,  a  solution 
of  alum  in  the  proportion  of  alum,  two  drachms;  water,  one  pint, 
to  be  applied  as  frequently  as  desired.  Feed  on  soft  food  for  a 
few  days.  The  barbarous  method  of  burning  the  gums  cannot 
be  too  greatly  condemned. 

WOUND  OF  THE  PALATINE  ARTERY. 

The  most  common  cause  of  wound  of  this  artery  is  the  jack- 
knife  in  the  hands  of  men  who  are  ignorant  of  the  parts,  and  who 
practice  bleeding  in  the  mouth  for  every  ill  to  which  horse-flesh 


INJURIES    IN"  THE    REGION    OF   THE    MOUTH.  253 

is  heir.  Treatment  is  a  matter  of  considerable  difficulty.  The 
nse  of  the  speculum  will  assist  in  getting  at  the  parts  to  try  the 
effects  of  a  suture  or  two.  The  head  should  be  steadied  by  an 
assistant.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  use  the  hot  iron 
to  arrest  the  hemorrhage.  Acupressure  is  a  successful  way  of 
arresting  hemorrhage. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  LIPS. 

This  is  generally  seen  in  horses  that  are  compelled  to  wear 
heavy  bridles.  The  lip  hangs  elongated,  flaccid  and  powerless. 
When  drinking,  he  pushes 
his  nose  into  the  water  up 
to  his  eyes.  This  affection 
is  due  to  injury  to  the 
seventh  pair  of  nerves. 
The  lip  is  often  drawn 
to  one  side  from  the  fact 
that  one  nerve  only  is 
affected. 

TEEATME^'T. R  C  Ul  O  VO 

all  pressure  from  the  head 

IX  T-c  4.1,  •       1  •  Fig.  72 — Paralysis  of  the  Lip. 

and  lace,   it  the  ammal  is  ^ 

tied  in  the  stall  by  a  head  halter,  this  must  be  removed  and 
replaced  by  the  neck  strap,  or,  what  is  better,  turned  loose  in  a 
box  stall.  The  food  should  be  soft.  Fomentations  and  the  cam- 
phorated liniment  should  be  applied  to  the  masseter  region.  If 
this  sliould  prove  ineffectual  the  biniodide  of  mercur)'  ointment 
should  l)e  tried — one  part  of  mercury  to  four  or  five  parts  of  lard. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  DUCTS  AND  GLANDS  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

Open  Parotid  Duct. — Steno's  duct  winds  round  the  inferior 
maxillary  bone,  in  company  with  the  submaxillary  artery  and 
veins,  and  enters  the  mouth  between  the  second  and  third  upper 
molar  teeth.  It  conveys  the  saliva  into  the  mouth.  It  is  liable 
to  be  opened  by  direct  violence,  or  from  ulceration  of  its  coats 


254  THE  STOCK  owner's  adviser. 

when  involved  in  the  abcess  of  strangles.  When  it  is  opened  the 
saliva  will  flow  from  the  wonnd  instead  of  flowing  into  the  mouth. 
The  flow  of  saliva  is  greatest  during  mastication. 

Treatment. — The  first  step  in  the  treatment  of  open  parotid 
duct  is  to  make  an  opening  between  the  wound  and  mouth,  along 
the  course  of  the  original  canal,  if  possible;  if  not,  an  artificial 
canal  must  be  formed,  bj  introducing  a  seton  from  the  ulcer  in 
the  mouth,  which  should  remain  for  four  or  five  days,  or  until  it 
has  made  a  suppurating  channel.  It  is  then  to  be  withdrawn, 
the  external  wound  is  lu'ought  together  by  suture  and  colodion, 
or  styptic:Colloid,  tliickly  applied.  The  dressing  should  in  no 
way  be  disturbed,  and  the  animal  should  be  fed  on  milk,  eggs, 
and  such  like,  in  order  to  prevent  the  stimulation  of  the  glands. 

This  method  of  treatment  can  only  be  carried  out  by  your 
veterinary  surgeon.  If  you  decide,  however,  that  you  have  an 
opening  of  the  duct,  you  may  try,  bringing  the  edges  of  the  open- 
ing together  with  suture,  paint  them  with  several  layers  of  collo- 
dion, and  await  results.  In  the  mean  time,  give  very  little  food 
for  several  days.  In  some  cases  all  treatment  fails.  The  gland 
should  then  be  destroyed  by  injecting  into  its  substance  the  fol- 
lowing: Nitrate  of  silver,  one  drachm;  nitric  acid,  one  drachm; 
water,  one  ounce. 

SALIVARY  CALCULI. 

Calcareous  deposits  may  form  in  any  actively  secreting  gland, 
or  in  the  duct  in  connection  with  the  gland.  It  is  thought  that  a 
piece  of  hay  or  corn  gains  entrance  to  the  canal,  and  the  salts  of 
the  saliva  adhering  to  it  form  concretion.  The  concretions  block 
up  the  duct,  which  becomes  enlarged  and  distended  with  saliva. 
The  foreign  body  must  be  removed  through  the  mouth.  A  pen- 
dulous sack  will  be  noticed  on  the  borders  of  the  jaw. 

Excessive  secretion  of  saliva — ptyalism — results  from  disease 
of  the  teeth,  some  peculiar  food  as  green  food,  mercuralism;  any 
source  of  irritation  in  the  mouth  from  the  poison  of  epizootic 
aptha,  or  foreign  body  in  the  tongue. 


INJURIES   IN   THE   REGION   OF   THE   MOUTH.  255 

Treatment, — In  all  cases  remove  the  cause,  and  wash  the 
mouth  repeatedly  with  cold  water,  and  mild  astringents,  such  as 
vinegar  or  alum. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

Glossitis. — Glossitis,  or  inflammation  of  the  tongue,  is  a  con- 
dition not  very  often  met  with.  The  tongue  is  injured  by  being 
bitten,  by  chemicals  of  irritating  nature,  by  cruel  attendants,  etc. 
There  is  an  increased  flow  of  saliva,  and  the  tongue  hangs  out  of 
the  mouth,  reddened,  hot,  and  tender  when  touched.  Treat  with 
cool  astringent  lotions,  vinegar  and  water.  The  tong'ue  should 
be  treated  on  conservative  principles.  Nothing  must  be  destroyed, 
cut  off,  or  removed,  but  all  torn  edges  must  be  brought  together 
and  held  by  proper  sutures.  If,  however,  a  portion  be  really  gan- 
grenous, it  must,  of  course,  be  excised. 

ULCERS  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

This  is  generally  caused  by  diseased  and  irregular  teeth;  dirty 
and  rusty  bits,  or  as  a  result  of  indigestion.  Touch  the  ulcer  with 
a  pencil  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  wash  the  tongue  with  alum, 
borax  or  chlorate  of  potash. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

This  is  due  to  some  brain  disease,  or  may  eventually  be  pro- 
duced by  the  animal's  habit  of  lolling  the  tongue.  It  may  also 
be  caused  by  rough  usage. 

Treatment. — Replace  the  tongue  within  the  mouth,  and  re- 
tain it  there  by  the  application  of  a  nose  band  sufficiently  tight 
to  keep  the  mouth  shut  for  a  few  hours.  Bandages  placed  round 
the  upper  and  lower  jaw  will  prevent  the  tongue  coming  out. 
Nerve  stimulents  should  be  tried — drachm  doses  of  powdered 
nux  vomica  should  be  given  in  the  feed. 


256  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

DEFORMITY  OF  THE  MOUTH  AND  IRREGULARITIES  OF  THE 

TEETH. 

Parrot  Mouth. — This  is  a  well-known  deformity,  in  which 
the  upper  incisors  project  in  front,  overhanging  the  lower  ones. 
The  treatment  in  such  cases  can  only  be  palliative,  and  consists 
in  the  periodic  rasping  of  the  edges  of  the  teeth  and  feeding  the 
animal  on  soft  food.  Deformities  of  the  incisors  are  occasionally 
noticed.  Loth  as  to  position  and  number.  They  seldom  cause  any 
inconvenience,  unless,  when  projecting  beyond  a  moderate 
length,  they  bruise  or  other^vise  injure  the  opposite  jaw.  They 
must  be  removed  by  the  incisor  cutter,  and  dressed  by  a  suitable 
rasp,  or,  if  not  too  long,  may  be  rasped  down. 

The  molars  are  often  seen  to  be  irregular.  The  two  opposing 
rows  are  often  of  irregular  length.  The  teeth  not  coming  in  wear 
by  this  means,  become  elongated  to  such  an  extent  as  to  cause 
extensive  disease  in  the  lower  or  upper  jaw,  as  the  case  may  be. 
The  tooth  should  be  cut  by  the  molar  cutters  and  dressed  to  a 
level  with  the  other  teeth.  A  mouth  speculum,  or  balling  iron, 
should  be  used  to  hold  the  mouth  open. 

CARIES  OF  THE  TEETH. 

Dental  gangrene,  or  decay,  is  confined  principally  to  the  molar 
teeth;  the  incisors  seldom  decay.  Caries  may  commence  prima- 
rily in  the  fang,  neck,  or  crown  of  the  tooth.  Caries  in  the  lower 
animals  is  generally  caused  by  some  injury  to  the  teeth,  as  a 
pebble  or  a  piece  of  iron  being  taken  into  the  mouth.  Caries  in 
the  neck  of  the  tooth  is  seen  in  animals  with  teeth  set  wide  apart, 
and  is  caused  by  food  remaining  in  the  interspaces,  and  by  decom- 
position, exciting,  inflammation  in  the  periodental  membrane. 

Symptoms. — Difficulty  in  mastication.  Frequently,  while  eat- 
ing, the  animal  suddenly  s^ops,  throws  up  his  head  as  though 
suffering  a  sudden  twinge  of  pain,  and  perhaps  drops  the  food 
from  his  mouth.  There  will  be  a  remarkable  odor,  a  flow  of 
saliva,  an  appearance  of  a  black  spot  on  the  carious  tooth,  sharp 


INJURIES   IN   THE   REGION    OF   THE   MOUTH.  257 

pain  indicated  when  the  tooth  is  struck  witli  tlic  sounder,  and 
swelling  of  the  gums.  The  treatment  is  the  removal  of  the  tooth. 
The  animal  should  he  sent  to  the  veterinary  snrei;eon  to  have  the 
teeth  drawn.  The  surgeon  only  has  the  necessary  instruments, 
and  A'ery  frequently  the  animal  must  be  cast  and  the  trephine 
used  to  remove  the  tooth. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ALVEOLAR  PEOCESSES. 

The  alveolar  jirocesses  are  the  little  depressions  in  the  jaw  in 
which  the  fangs  of  the  teeth  fit.  They  are  diseased  principally 
from  the  food  being  allowed  to  accnmnlate  between  the  teeth. 
This  food  after  a  time  decomposes  and  gives  rise  to  fetid  com- 
pounds, which  destroy  the  parts  in  contact.  The  membrane 
covering  the  gums  and  lining  the  alveolar  becomes  inflamed,  and 
consequently  diseased. 

Symptoms. — Imperfect  mastication  of  food,  loss  of  condition, 
and  fetid  breath,  due  to  the  decomposed  food  between  the  teeth. 

Treatment. — Wash  the  teeth  with  a  brush  and  water;  the 
parts  afterward  should  be  washed  with  a  solution  of  the  chloride 
of  lime. 

DENTITION  FEVER. 

In  the  lower  animal,  the  cutting  of  the  deciduous  teeth  is  never 
accompanied  with  pain  or  irritation.  "When  the  permanent  teeth 
are  making  their  appearance  there  is  often  a  considerable  amount 
of  irritation.  The  horse  from  three  to  four  years  old  is  more  sub- 
ject to  dental  irritation  than  when  younger.  This  accounts  for 
the  fact  that  the  colt  of  two  years  old  will  stand  more  fatigue 
than  one  at  three  or  four  years  of  age.  At  this  age  dentition  is 
at  the  height  of  activity.  At  three,  eight  permanent  incisors  are 
in  active  growth;  at  four  years  of  age  eight  molars  are  cut,  and 
four  incisors  in  an  advanced  stage  of  growth  are  present.  The 
canine  teeth  also  make  their  appearance  at  this  age.  At  four 
years  of  age,  a  cough  frequently  accompanies  the  cutting  of  the 
third  and  the  sixth  molar,  or  that  standing  last  in  the  row.  The 
17 


258 

irritation  extends  from  the  sixth  molar  into  the  fauces  and  larynx, 
and  as  a  result  a  cough  is  produced.  The  cough,  as  a  rule,  is  more 
severe  in  the  morning,  when  the  animal  begins  to  feed. 

Treatment. — Examine  the  mouth  thoroughly,  and  if  it  is 
found  that  the  temporary  tooth  is  not  being  shed  in  proper  man- 
ner, it  should  be  removed.  A  small  pair  of  forceps  will  move 
these  very  easily.  Many  young  cattle  have  been  sacrificed  from 
this  cause.  They  have  starved  in  the  midst  of  plenty.  It  is  some- 
times necessary  in  removing  the  tooth  to  use  the  mouth  speculum. 
Six  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  given,  and  the  animal  thrown  off 
work,  if  possible,  until  the  jDrocess  of  dentition  is  completed.  A 
run  at  grass  is  very  beneficial.  If  the  gums  are  red  and  swollen, 
they  should  be  lanced.  The  treatment  of  tooth  cough  is  similar 
to  that  of  dentition  fever,  with  the  exception  that  two  drachm 
doses  of  the  bicarbonate  of  soda  should  be  given  three  times  a 
day.  The  mouth  should  be  gargled  with  a  solution  of  the  borate 
of  soda  or  alum. 

WOLF  TEETH 

Are  small  supernumerary  teeth,  which  make  their  appearance 
just  anterior  to  the  first  molar.  They  have  been  supposed  to 
cause  serious  disease  of  the  eye  and  even  blindness;  but  they  can 
produce  no  inconvenience.  The  invitation  of  teething  might  pos- 
sibly cause  a  very  slight  irritation  of  the  eye.  If  it  is  decided  to 
remove  them,  a  small  pair  of  forceps  should  be  used.  The  old  way 
of  nocking  them  off  at  the  crown  does  no  good  whatever. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  PHARYNX  AND  OESOPHAGUS. 

Post  Pharyngeal  Abscess. — This  abscess  is  located  in  the 
cartilaginous  division  of  the  guttural  pouch.  It  is  seldom  met 
with,  but  is  occasionally  associated  with  strangles.  When  it  does 
occur  there  will  be  difficulty  in  the  act  of  deglutition.  It  fills  up 
the  posterior  nairs,  draws  up  the  vellum  pendulum  palati,  and 
causes  the  animal  to  breathe  through  the  mouth.  This  can 
scarcely  be  diagnosed  except  by  a  surgeon,  and  opening  the 
abscess  should  not  be  undertaken  except  by  a  surgeon. 


INJURIES  IN   THE   REGION   OF  THE  MOUTH.  259 

PHARYNGEAL  POLYPI. 

Tumors  with  long  pedicles  are  sometimes  seen  in  the  pharynx. 

Symptoms. — The  presence  of  polypi  in  the  pharynx  produce 
symptoms  of  choking,  difficult  breathing,  efforts  to  cough  and 
flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth. 

They  are  to  be  removed  with  the  ecraseur  in  the  hands  of  a 
veterinary  surgeon. 

CHOKING. 

Choking  is  caused  by  the  lodgment  of  food.  The  horse  when 
choked  makes  every  effort  to  swallow.  In  his  effort  to  do  so  the 
throat  and  neck  becomes  spasmodically  drawn  up,  and  probably 
he  gives  a  loud  shriek  when  the  spasms  take  place.  The  ears  are 
thrown  back  upon  the  neck  at  each  attempt  to  swallow.  If  an 
attempt  is  made  to  swallow  water  the  fluid  returns  through  the 
nostrils.  There  is  a  great  anxiety  of  countenance,  sunken  head, 
tremors,  partial  sweats  over  the  body,  and  great  exhaustion. 

In  the  cow  the  obstruction  is  generally  a  piece  of  turnip, 
potato,  apple,  or  leather.  The  cow  is  very  fond  of  chewing  old 
shoes.  The  symptoms  of  choking  in  the  cow  are  tympanites  of 
the  rumen,  involuntary  action  of  the  jaws,  flow  of  saliva  from  the 
mouth,  and  a  violent  cough,  causing  forcible  expulsion  of  the 
faeces  and  urine.  Tympanites  is  also  seen  in  the  horse.  In  the 
dog  violent  retching  and  cough,  with  staring,  prominent  eyes,  are 
the  most  prevailing  symptoms.  When  the  obstruction  is  in  the 
cervical  region,  it  can  be  detected.  If  it  is  lodged  high  up  in 
the  cervical  region  or  neck,  symptoms  of  suffocation  will  be 
present. 

TREATiiEXT. — Endeavor  to  find  out  the  cause  of  choking,  as 
the  treatment  depends  to  a  considerable  extent  upon  the  nature 
of  the  obstruction.  An  effort  should  be  made  to  dislodge  the 
obstruction  by  manipulation.  The  head  of  the  animal  should  be 
held  by  an  assistant  while  the  operator  gently  manipulates  and 
endeavors  to  break  up  the  mass.  If  it  be  an  apple  an  effort  should 
be  made  to  force  its  passage  to  the  stomach  by  gently  manipu- 


260  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

lating.  If  the  obstruction  is  liigli  up  in  the  throat,  effort  must 
be  made  to  remove  it  through  the  mouth.  To  assist  in  reaching 
the  object,  an  assistant  should  push  it  upwards.  If  these  methods 
fail,  the  object  may  be  removed  by  drenching  with  oil  and  water. 
In  choking  with  dry  food,  the  oil  must  always  be  used,  as  the 
probang  cannot  be  used  in  this  case.  In  addition  to  the  oil,  the 
mass  is  to  be  broken  up  by  rubbing  the  neck  and  by  pushing  it 
upwards  and  downwards  by  gentle  manipulation.  Frequent 
drenches  of  water,  filling  up  the  oesophagus,  will  assist  in  re- 
moving the  mass.  AVhen  these  means  fail  to  unchoke  the  animal, 
the  probang  should  be  used.  This  can  only  be  done  by  a  sur- 
geon. All  veterinary  surgeons  have  probangs  for  the  horse  and 
cow.  I  have  frequently  been  called  to  an  animal  and  found  that 
an  effort  had  been  made  to  unchoke  the  animal  with  a  whip  stalk. 
In  every  case  where  it  was  used,  the  oesophagus  was  ruptured, 
causing  the  animaFs  death.  In  case  the  prol)ang  proves  of  no 
avail,  the  operation  of  oesophagotomy  must  be  performed.  It 
consists  of  cutting  down  upon  the  object  and  removing  it.  After 
its  removal  the  edges  of  the  oesophagus  should  be  brought  to- 
gether and  held  by  sutures  of  carbolized  cat  gut.  The  external 
opening  may  be  secured  by  silk  sutures.  The  after  treatment 
consists  in  keeping  the  animal  quiet  and  feeding  on  liquid  foods. 
Allow  no  solid  food  until  the  wound  is  entirely  healed.  This 
operation  should  not  be  performed  except  as  a  last  resort. 

DILATATION  OF  THE  OESOPHAGUS. 

As  a  result  of  choking,  the  oesoidiagus  may  become  abnormally 
dilated,  or  a  pouch  may  be  formed  in  which  food  accumulates. 
If  in  the  thoracic  region  the  animal  will  be  a  slow  feeder,  and 
subject  to  repeated  attacks  of  choking.  If  in  the  cervical  portion 
of  the  oesophagus  a  bulging  may  be  seen  and  felt. 

Treatment. — Very  little  can  be  done.  The  aninuil  should  be 
fed  on  sloppy  foods,  and  when  the  fit  of  coughing  comes  on  oil 
should  be  given.  If  in  the  cervical  region,  considerable  advantage 
results  from  the  use  of  a  pad  placed  over  the  part. 


INJURIES   IN   THE   REGION   OF   THE   MOUTH.  261 

STRICTURE  OF  THE  OESOPHAGUS. 

This  occurs  as  a  result  of  choking.  The  walls  of  the  oeso- 
phagus become  thickened  to  a  certain  extent.  It  may  exist  with 
dilatation  of  the  oesophagus. 

Symptoms. — Frequent  fits  of  coughing.  On  attempting  to  use 
the  probang  the  structure  can  be  detected  by  its  resistance  to 
further  passage. 

Treatment,  as  a  nile,  is  useless,  but  it  may  be  overcome  in  some 
cases  by  passing  a  probang  each  day. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  OESOPHAGUS. 

• 

This  may  be  caused  by  using  too  great  force  when  passing  the 
probang,  tlie  use  of  sticks  by  inexperienced  men,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  dull  and  listless,  respiration  is  af- 
fected, and  swelling  can  be  detected  over  the  course  of  the  oeso- 
phagus. The  animal  evinces  pain  on  pressing  the  parts.  Soon 
the  whole  neck  becomes  swollen  and  the  breath  fetid.  A  history 
of  the  case  will  assist  in  diagnosis.  If  a  stick  has  been  used  to 
unchoke  a  horse  and  the  above  symptoms  follow,  it  is  certain  that 
rupture  has  taken  place. 

Treatme.xt. — As  a  rule,  treatment  is  of  no  avail ;  but,  if  it  is 
a  small  rupture,  it  may  be  cut  down  upon  and  sutures  tried. 

CRIB  BITERS  AND  WIND  SUCKERS. 

Horses  which  are  crib  biters  or  wind  suckers  are  to  be  consid- 
ered as  unsound,  as  the  vice  generally  causes  indigestion.  A  crib 
biter  seizes  the  manger,  or  any  other  object,  with  his  teeth, 
arches  his  neck,  and  makes  a  belching  noise.  Many  crib  biters 
thrive  moderately -well,  while  others  are  unthrifty  and  hide- 
bound. 

The  wind  sucker  smacks  his  lips,  gathers  air  into  his  mouth, 
arches  his  neck,  gathers  his  feet  together,  and  fills  himself  with 
air.     Of  the  two  vices  this  is  the  worst.     A  wind  sucker  is  more 


262  THE  STOCK  owner's  apvise 

subject  to  indigestion.  I  have  seen  crib  biters  thrive  as  well  as 
others.  The  best  mare  I  ever  owned,  that  could  stand  the  most 
driving,  and  kept  the  fattest,  was  a  crib  biter. 

To  prevent  crib  biting,  use  a  muzzle  or  neck  strap  buckled 
tightly  around  the  neck.  For  wind  sucking  a  strap  studded  with 
sharp  points  of  iron,  opposite  the  lower  jaw,  is  the  best  pre- 
ventive. 


XVII. 

TUMORS. 

May  be  defined  to  be  hypertrophies  or  over-growth,  and  are  of 
great  variety.  A  tumor  differs  from  an  inflammatory  exudate,  in 
that  it  increases  in  itself,  and  grows  as  a  part  of  the  body  by  its 
own  adherent  force,  depending  on  the  surrounding  parts  for  little 
more  than  a  supply  of  blood,  from  which  it  appropriates  its 
nourishment.  As  a  rule,  a  tumor  increases  constantly,  whereas 
an  inflammatory  exudation  depends  upon  a  morbid  state  of  the 
parts,  and  increases  in  size  only  so  long  as  the  morbid  action  con- 
tinues. • 

A  tumor  rarely  actually  disappears,  and  thus  differs  from  an 
inflanmiatory  growth.  They  usually  develop  from  small  begin- 
nings. Some  grow  rapidly,  others  slowly  and  intermittently,  and 
there  is  no  limit  to  their  growth,  some  reaching  enormous  size. 
They  deprive  the  organ  on  which  they  are  placed  of  nutriment, 
and  are  attended  with  more  or  less  inconvenience  or  danger. 
We  speak  of  a  tumor  as  being  malignant  when  it  has  a  tendency 
to  destroy  and  infiltrate  into  surrounding  tissues;  when  it  tends 
to  recur  after  removal,  and  where  there  is  no  healing.  The  most 
common  forms  of  tumor  met  with  in  the  lower  animals  are  fibrous 
tissue  tumors,  fibromata,  and  ordinar\^  warts. 

FIBROUS  TUMOR. 

The  fi])roma,  or  fibrous  tumor,  is  slow  in  growth,  and  is  not 
accompanied  by  pain  or  tenderness;  is  of  a  hard,  rounded  form; 
generally  movable,  and  contained  in  a  wall  of  areolar  tissue.  An 
example  of  this  is  a  fibrous  tumor  between  the  neck  and  point  of 
the  shoulders,  caused  by  the  collar.  .  When  cut  into,  it  will  be 
found  to  have  thickened  walls  containing  a  little  pus.  This  old 
abscess  may  be  removed  by  excision  of  the  whole  mass.    If  they 

(263) 


264  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

are  small,  their  removal  may  be  tried  by  caustics  and  stimulants, 
as  iodine;  but  if  they  are  of  any  size,  the  knife  should  be  used. 

PAPIILOMATUS  TUMOR. 

The  wart  is  an  example  of  these.  A  wart  consists  of  a  thicken- 
ing of  the  epidermis,  or  skin,  producing  by  accumulation  of  its 
scales,  with  hypertrophy  of  the  papillae  of  the  true  skin.  They 
are  found  most  commonly  in  young  animals,  their  favorite  seat 
being  the  under  surface  of  the  abdomen,  the  genitals,  mammary 
glands,  lips  and  eyelids.  In  the  dog  they  are  found  in  great 
numbers  in  the  mouth.  They  may  be  removed  by  incision  or 
tortion.  The  ecraseur  is  a  good  instrument  for  removing  them. 
After  their  removal  their  seats  should  be  cauterized.  When  in 
the  mouth  of  a  dog  they  may  be  snipped  off  with  a  pair  of  scis- 
sors. Washing  the  mouth  twice  a  day  with  vinegar  will  some- 
times destroy  them.  When  located  on  the  eyelids,  great  care 
should  be  exercised,  or  the  animal  may  be  damaged  for  life.  One 
drachm  of  arsenious  acid  to  one  ounce  of  lard  is  the  best  prepara- 
tion for  removing  these  warts.  They  may  be  gently  touched  with 
an  acid. 

There  is  an  epithelial  tumor  occurring  in  the  vagina,  especially 
in  the  bitch.  They  have  a  tendency  to  bleed.  Several  of  them 
form  a  tumor.  They  are  to  be  removed  by  enclosing  in  a  clam 
and  cutting  off  by  the  cautery. 

FATTY  TUMOR. 

Fatty  tumors,  or  lipomata,  consist  of  normal  fat  cells  packed 
together.  Their  removal  is  similar  to  other  tumors.  Tumors 
connected  with  the  ners^es  are  termed  neuromatous  tumors.  They 
have  been  seen  in  our  patients  as  a  result  of  division  of  the  planter 
nerves,  for  foot  lameness.  They  are  oval  bodies,  with  their  diam- 
eter along  the  course  of  the  nerve.  They  vary  in  size,  and  are 
very  painful.    The  only  treatment  is  excision  by  the  knife. 


TUMORS. 


CAETILAGINOUS  TUMORS. 


265 


These  are  generally  seen  on  the  sternum,  or  upon  the  ribs.  To 
the  touch  these  tumors  are  hard  and  dense,  but  present  a  slight 
elasticity.  When  on  the  sternum  they  interfere  with  the  ani- 
mal's movements,  causing  him  to  move  with  the  four  legs  wide 
apart.  The  tumor  is  generally  fastened  to  the  bony  wall  and  in- 
vested by  the  periosteum,  which  is  generally  thick  and  over- 
grown. When  cut  into  they  present  a  pinky  white  appearance, 
with  gritty  points  of  ossification. 

Teeatment. — The  only  method  is  their  removal  by  excision. 

We  have  seen  crusta  petrosa  tumors  in  connection  with  the 
teeth,  but  these  are  seldom  seen,  and  never  give  rise  to  any  incon- 
venience. 

Calcarious  tumors  consist  of  a  deposit  of  calcarious  salts  in 
various  parts  of  the  body.  They  are  found  in  the  brain  of  the 
horse,  in  the  testicles,  and  the  nerves. 

OSSEOUS  TUMORS. 

These  are  common  in  the  neighborhood  of  joints  where  the 
articular  surface  is  affected  with  caries,  and  sometimes  surround- 
ing the  tendons  of  the  limb.  They  result  in  the  ossification  of  an 
exudate,  which  has  been  formed  in  consequence  of  some  inflam- 
mation. 

CYSTIC  TUMORS. 

These  are  formed  by  enlargement  and  fusion  of  the  spaces  or 
areola  of  the  connective  tissue.  In  these  spaces  fluid  accumu- 
lates, and  gradually  the  boundaries  of  the  spaces  are  leveled 
down  and  walled  in  till  a  perfect  sac  or  cyst  is  formed,  the  walls 
of  which  continue  to  secrete.  Some  cysts  are  formed  by  dilata- 
tion and  growth  of  natural  ducts  or  saculi,  as  arc  those  sebaceous 
or  epidermal  cysts,  which,  foi-mod  by  hair  follicles,  have  perma- 
nent openings.  Serous  cysts  arise  in  two  ways — from  effects  of 
pressure  and  without  evident  cause.     Examples  of  the  first  are 


266  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

capped  hock,  capped  elbow,  and  other  serous  abscesses.  Serous 
abscesses  are  soft  tumors  formed  by  an  effusion  of  serum.  When 
they  form  on  the  elbow,  the  best  treatment  is  puncture  of  the 
tumor,  to  be  afterward  injected  with  iodine  solution.  The  wound 
should  be  kept  open  until  the  cavity  is  destroyed. 

When  cysts  have  become  consolidated  they  may  be  removed 
by  excision,  or  by  puncturing  the  tumor  in  several  places,  and 
inserting  equal  parts  of  arsenic  and  corrosive  sublimate.  After 
the  slough  caused  by  the  application  has  been  removed,  it  should 
be  kept  clean  for  a  few  days,  and  then  reapply  the  caustic.  If 
excision  with  the  knife  is  preferred  the  incision  should  be  made 
in  a  perpendicular  direction. 

CAPPED  ELBOW  AND  HOCK. 

Capped  elbow  is  caused  by  the  animal  lying  upon  the  heels  of 
the  shoe.  The  treatment  is  removal  of  the  cause,  and  if  serum  is 
present  it  should  be  opened. 

Capped  Hocks. — The  treatment  of  capped  hocks  is  different; 
if  the  enlargement  is  not  very  unsightly  it  is  best  to  leave  it 
alone.  If  it  is  decided  to  reduce  it,  a  seton  should  be  inserted 
through  it  and  allowed  to  remain  for  two  weeks.  Repeated  ap- 
plication of  iodine  will  reduce  it.  If  possible  the  horse  should  be 
turned  out  on  grass.  Collections  of  fluid  forming  cysts  in  front 
of  the  patella  and  knees  may  be  opened  with  safety.  When  they 
occur  on  the  knees  of  horned  cattle,  from  lying  on  hard  floors, 
they  may  be  removed  by  the  seton,  and  bandaged  to  prevent 
bruising  while  the  patient  is  lying  down.  Cysts  occur  in  the 
ovaries,  mammary  gland,  thyroid  bodies,  and  mucous  mem- 
branes. 

THE  SARCOMATA. 

The  sarcomata  are  by  far  the  most  common  forms  of  malig- 
nant tumors  met  with  in  veterinary  practice.  When  cut  into 
they  are  of  a  soft,  brain-like  consistence,  of  a  reddish  white  or 
gray  color,  very  vascular.     They  vary  in  consistence  from  hard- 


TUMOES.  267 

ish  nodulated  masses  to  a  soft  colloid  character.  It  will  be  a 
■hard  matter  for  the  stock  owner  to  distinguish  the  different 
tumors.  The  different  varieties  will  be  given  here,  and  as  the 
treatment  for  all  is  practically  the  same,  there  can  be  no  mis- 
take made  in  the  method  of  getting  rid  of  them. 

The  tumor  that  will  interest  the  stock  raiser  perhaps  most  is 
the  melanotic  tumor,  or  melanotic  sarcoma.  It  is  seen  almost 
exclusively  in  gray  or  white  horses.  Its  favorite  seat  is  on  the 
under  surface  of  the  tail,  around  the  anus  or  vagina,  or  the 
perinseum.  All  parts  of  the  body,  internal  and  external,  may  be 
affected  by  these  tumors.  In  some  cases  there  are  no  external 
tumors.  They  grow  to  an  enormous  size  in  some  cases,  and  are 
of  a  malignant  nature.  It  appears  first  as  a  small  round  tumor, 
which  gradually  enlarges  in  every  direction  within  and  upon 
those  portions  of  the  body  which  do  not  lose  their  black  color  by 
age.  Other  tumors  form  in  the  neighborhood  forming  a  collec- 
tion similar  to  a  bunch  of  grapes,  but  larger  in  size.  The  animal 
does  not  suffer  much  inconvenience  unless  there  is  friction  pro- 
duced upon  the  surface  of  the  tumor.  A  black  tumor  in  any 
part  of  the  liody  may  be  called  melanosis.  It  is  generally  con- 
fined to  aged  animals. 

The  treatment  of  melanosis  is  early  removal,  which  may  check 
its  growth  for  some  time,  but  it  cannot  be  permanently  removed, 
I  have  removed  but  one  melanotic  tumor  tliat  did  not  reappear 
some  time  in  the  animal's  life. 

ACTING  MYCOSIS. 

This  is  a  malignant  [)arasitic  tumor  caused  by  the  parasite 
actinomyces.  This  has  been  referred  to  in  a  previous  chapter  of 
this  work. 

HARD  CANCER. 

A  hard  cancer  is  white  in  its  structure,  arranged  in  masses 
with  projections  passing  from  its  center  to  various  parts  of  the 
organ  which  it  attacks.  It  cuts  up  almost  like  cartilage.  It  dif- 
fers from  a  simple  tumor  by  being  more  rapid  in  its  growth,  by 


268  THE  STOCK  owner's  adviser. 

its  tendency  to  involve  the  lymphatic  glands,  to  break  through 
the  organ  in  which  it  is  developed,  and  to  involve  neighboring- 
textures.  When  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  vital  functions, 
it  seems  not  to  affect  the  constitution  for  a  long  period. 

The  only  treatment  is  early  removal.  I  have  removed  them 
with  good  success.  Professor  Bennet  recommends  a  weak  solu- 
tion of  acetic  acid,  to  be  injected  into  the  tumor. 

SOFT  CANCER. 

There  are  two  forms  of  soft  cancer — colloid  and  medullary. 
The  colloid  is  seen  in  different  parts  of  the  body.  It  consist  of 
fibers  so  arranged  as  to  form  alveolar,  or  spaces  varying  in  size, 
and  containing  am'ber  colored  liquid  matter,  but  sometimes 
opaque  and  of  a  greenish  yellow  hue.  Medullary  cancers  are 
developed  in  the  form  of  circumscribed  tumors  or  infiltrations. 
It  may  j)resent  itself  as  one  tumor,  but  when  cut  into  it  will  be 
found  to  be  made  up  of  several  smaller  ones.  To  the  toiich  it 
presents  a  peculiar  soft,  elastic  feeling,  as  though  it  contained 
pus.  The  veins  over  the  tumor  are  congested.  When  the  tumor 
is  cut  into  the  lobes  are  seen  to  be  composed  of  a  peculiar  soft 
substance,  which  is  easily  broken  and  resembles  matter.  There 
are  masses  of  peculiar-looking  substances  found  in  it  resembling 
cysts.  Medullary  cancer  may  arise  from  an  accidental  injury, 
such  as  a  blow  or  wound.  It  may  exist  for  a  long  time  before  it 
attains  any  great  size. 


XVIII. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EYES. 

SIMPLE  OPTHALMIA 

Is  caused  by  a  blow,  as  a  stroke  of  the  whip,  a  foreign  body  in 
the  eye,  amnioniacal  vapors  from  filthy  stables,  extremes  of  heat 
and  cold,  or  sudden  alterations  of  temperature. 

Symptoms. — A  closure  of  the  eye,  copious  flow  of  tears,  the 
eye  retracted  from  the  ligbt,  the  pupil  dilated,  and  there  may  be 
some  swelling.  The  conjunctiva  is  covered  ly  a  number  of  red 
streaks.  The  flow  of  tears  may  after  awhile  be  followed  by  a  dis- 
charge of  a  purulent  character,  which  ceases  after  awhile,  and 
is  in  turn  succeeded  by  a  film  between  the  layers  of  the  cornia. 
The  exudate  soon  disappears  by  absorption.  Simple  opthalmia  is 
said  to  occur  in  an  epizootic  form. 

Treatment. — Find  out  the  cause;  if  a  foreign  body  is  in  the 
eye  it  must  be  removed.  The  irritation  should  be  allayed  by 
warm  fomentations  in  the  winter  and  cold  in  the  summer.  The 
eye  should  be  fomented  with  warm  water  for  ten  minutes,  and 
a  decoction  of  hops,  placed  in  a  little  bag,  applied  to  the  eye  and 
allowed  to  remain  several  hours  at  a  time.  This  should  be  re- 
peated three  times  a  day.  The  animal  should  be  placed  in  a 
darkened  stable  free  from  ammoniacal  vapors.  A  decoction  of 
poppy  heads,  when  they  can  be  procured,  is  very  beneficial.  Zinc 
sulphate,  drachm  one;  opium  tinct.,  ounce  one;  belladonna 
tincture,  ounce  one;  water,  six  ounces,  should  be  applied  to  the 
lids  of  the  eye  as  well  as  the  eye  itself  three  times  a  day,  by 
means  of  a  little  piece  of  sponge.  If  this  treatment  be  carried 
out  the  eye  will  soon  recover,  if  it  can  be  saved. 

In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  reduce  the  congestio-n  of 
the  vessels  by  local  bleeding  from  the  angular  veins  situated  on 

(  269  ) 


270  THE    STOCK    OWNEk's    ADVISEE. 

the  face  immediately  below  the  eye.  The  results  scarcely  jus- 
tify the  operation,  but  some  relief  may  be  obtained  by  bleeding. 
Belladonna  extract  is  very  iisefid  in  ophthalmia,  or  atropine  may 
be  used  instead.  A  solution  of  atropia  sulphate,  grains  four; 
aqua  distilled,  ounce  one,  may  be  used  in  the  eye. 

The  film  that  spreads  over  the  anterior  aspect  of  the  eye  con- 
sists of  an  exudate  which  continues  as  long  as  the  irritation  lasts, 
but  afterwards  gradually  disappears  by  absorption.  The  deposit 
is  within  the  structures  of  the  cornea  and  conjunctiva,  and  until 
the  inflammation  has  subsided  all  irritating  applications  are  apt 
to  do  harm.  When  it  becomes  necessary  to  remove  the  exudate, 
and  the  inflammation  has  all  subsided,  nitrate  of  silver,  grains 
five,  to  aqua,  one  ounce,  should  be  used  to  touch  the  parts. 

PERIODIC  OPTHALMIA. 

This  disease  is  not  so  frequent  as  it  was  fifty  years  ago.  The 
advancement  of  veterinary  science  has  been  the  cause  of  its  dis- 
aj^pearing.  It  is  a  constitutional  affection,  terminating  in  an 
opacity  of  the  crvstalUne  lens,  termed  cataract. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  generally  comes  on  suddenly  and  in 
the  night.  The  eye  is  very  weak,  the  upper  lid  droops,  and  the 
eye  seems  smaller  than  its  fellow;  it  is  drawn  into  the  orbit  by 
the  retractor  muscles.  The  eye  retracts  from  the  light.  One 
eye  is  generally  affected  at  a  time.  There  is  a  slight  redness  of 
the  conjunctiva,  but  not  to  the  same  extent  as  in  simple  opthal- 
mia.  The  cornea  is  dim  in  appearance,  with  a  well-marked  ring 
around  it.  The  eye  assumes  a  yellowish  brown  appearance.  The 
iris  is  always  affected  to  a  degree  depending  on  the  severity  of  in- 
flammation. The  subsidence  of  the  attack  is  marked  by  a  dimi- 
nution of  the  inflammatory  symptoms.  The  haziness  slowdy  dis- 
appears from  the  cornea.  The  pupil  becomes  larger,  less  con- 
tracted and  rounder.  The  eye  clears  up,  but  is  smaller  than  be- 
fore the  attack.  The  wrinkled  appearance  of  the  eyebrows  after 
the  acute  symptoms  have  passed  off  is  characteristic  of  periodi- 
pal  opthalmia.    The  eye  having  gained  more  or  less  of  its  natural 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EYES.  271 

appearance  may  remain  free  from  active  disease  for  an  indefinite 
period.  Then  suddenly  it  is  attacked  again  without  any  appre- 
ciable cause.  Each  succeeding  attack  is  marked  by  increased 
severity,  until  loss  of  vision  results. 

Treatment. — Treatment  is  unsatisfactory;  the  ailment  cannot 
be  cured.  The  treatment  can  only  be  pallative,  and  is  adopted 
with  the  view  of  mitigating  the  severity  of  the  attack.  The  treat- 
ment should  be  similar  to  simple  opthalmia.  A  purgative  should 
be  administered — eight  drachms  of  aloes.  The  disease  termi- 
nates in  cataract.  A  cataract  is  an  opacity  of  the  crystalline  lens, 
or  its  capsule.  It  makes  its  appearance  after  subsidence  of  the 
acute  inflammatory  stage  of  jieriodic  opthalmia.  It  appears  as  a 
little  white  sjieck  in  the  center  of  the  pupil.  This  grows  at  each 
successive  attack  until  it  quite  fills  up  the  aperture.  The  vision 
grows  less  and  less  distinct  during  its  formation.  Although 
cataract  is  generally  a  sequel  to  periodical  opthalmia,  it  by  no 
means  follows  that  this  is  the  only  cause.  It  is  occasionally  no- 
ticed in  ground  animals  as  soon  as  born,  and  is  known  as  con- 
genital cataract.  It  may  result  from  an  injury  to  the  eye,  or 
without  any  previous  irritation. 

Symptoms. — It  can  be  easily  detected,  if  it  is  of  a  good  size. 
The  eye  affected  is  retracted,  sudden  exposure  to  light  causing 
the  eye  to  contract  to  an  unnatural  degree.  To  see  a  small  cata- 
ract, the  horse  should  be  placed  in  a  darkened  box,  and  the  eye 
examined  with  the  aid  of  artificial  light,  as  a  candle.  The  pupil 
should  first  be  dilated  with  belladonna  or  atropine.  The  exam- 
iner should  keep  any  bright  object,  which  he  may  have  about  his 
person,  concealed,  or  it  may  cause  a  reflection  from  the  eye  of  the 
patient  and  mislead  the  observer.  On  moving  the  light  from 
side  to  side  there  may  be  observed  an  erect  image,  which  is  re- 
flected from  the  surface  of  the  cornea.  This  image  moves  in  the 
same  direction.  A  second  image  may  also  be  seen,  which  is  also 
erect  and  moves  in  the  same  direction  as  the  candle.  This  is 
reflected  from  the  anterior  surface  of  the  crystalline  lense.  A 
third  image,  which  is  inverted  and  moved  in  the  direction  oppo- 


272  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

site  to  that  of  the  candle,  is  seen  reflected  from  the  posterior  sur- 
face of  the  lense.  When  cataract  is  present  the  latter  image,  and 
sometimes  the  second  one  also,  is  rendered  indistinct  and  wholly 
invisible. 

A  good  examination  of  the  eye  can  be  made  where  the  disease 
is  well  marked,  but  cannot  be  detected  in  the  light;  by  bringing 
the  horse  from  the  darkened  stable  to  the  open  door,  and  trying 
the  head  on  a  line  Avith  the  rays  of  light  without  and  above.  A 
proper  light  can  be  thrown  on  the  eye  in  this  way.  The  animal 
may  be  brought  to  the  stable  door;  place  a  l)lack  hat  over  the 
eyes  for  a  few  minutes,  then  move  it  suddenly,  and  observe  the 
effect  of  light  on  the  pupilary  opening  of  the  eye.  The  opthal- 
moscope  is  a  good  instrument  for  examining  the  eyes,  but  it  re- 
quires some  practice  to  use  it  successfully.  Generally  the  above 
method  is  all  required.  No  treatment;  the  disease  is  incurable 
in  the  horse. 

AMAUROSIS. 

This  condition  consists  of  a  partial  or  complete  loss  of  vision, 
as  result  of  j)aralysis  of  the  optic  nerve  and  expansion  of  the 
retina,  without  much  change  in  the  appearance  of  the  e^^e. 
Amaurosis  as  a  disease  of  the  optic  nerve  is  incurable,  hut  the 
condition  often  exists  as  a  symptom  of  other  diseases  in  the  body. 
It  occurs  in  parturient  apoplexy  in  cows  and  in  the  last  stages  of 
other  diseases.  It  may  result  from  injury  to  the  optic  nerve,  by 
the  animal  receiving  blows  on  the  head.  A  horse  remaining  for 
a  long  time  in  a  dark  place,  as  dark  stables,  coal  pits,  etc.,  may 
be  affected  with  this  disease.  Excessive  hemorrhage  has  caused 
sudden  and  permanent  amaurosis. 

Symptoms. — The  pupil  is  greatly  dilated,  loses  its  natural  form 
and  becomes  round.  The  eye  is  prominent,  bright,  and  has  a 
peculiar  glassy  appearance.  The  eyelids  are  opened  more  than 
natural,  with  a  peculiar  staring  look.  The  gait,  and  movement 
of  the  ears,  are  indicative  of  blindness.  It  generally  affects  both 
eyes.    I  have  never  seen  a  case  where  but  one  eye  was  affected. 


DISEASES   OF  THE   EYES.  273 

Treatment. — It  is  incurable.  When  it  results  as  a  symptom 
of  other  diseases  the  cause  should  be  removed.  Powdered  nux 
vomica  in  drachm  doses  may  be  used,  or  bromide  of  potash  in 
three-drachm  doses  may  be  tried  in  the  acute  stages.  Both  may 
be  administered  in  the  feed. 

GLAUCOMA. 

A  disease  in  which  the  vitreous  humor  loses  its  transparency 
and  assumes  a  blue  color.  It  is  a  very  uncommon  disease,  and  is 
usually  associated  with  cataract  or  with  amaurosis.  It  is  gen- 
erally seen  in  old  animals. 

Treatment. — The  condition  is  incurable. 

FUNGUS  HAEMATODES. 

This  growth  is  known  also  by  the  name  of  medullary  sarcoma. 
It  is  a  dark  colored,  highly  vascular  tumor  of  a  cancerous  nature. 
It  is  a  malignant  disease,  and  very  rare.  It  is  occasionally  asso- 
ciated with  tuberculosis.  If  removed,  it  will  reappear  in  nearly 
every  case.  Unless  removed  at  a  very  early  stage,  it  admits  of  no 
cure. 

Symptoms. — Slight  irritation  is  noticed  and  there  is  a  flow  of 
tears;  the  cornea  enlarges  and  bursts,  and  a  small  fungoid  tumor 
makes  its  appearance,  passes  through  the  opening,  and  grows 
rapidly  until  it  hangs  down  over  the  cheek,  collecting  dirt,  etc. 

Treatment. — Everything  within  the  orbit  must  be  included 
in  the  operation,  and  the  surface  cauterized  with  the  hot  iron, 
not  only  to  retain  the  hemorrhage,  but  to  destroy  any  part  of  the 
malignant  growth  that  may  remain.  If  the  patient  be  a  cow,  ox, 
or  shec)),  and  in  a  fair  condition,  it  should  be  slaughtered,  as  the 
disease  is  apt  to  return  and  cause  death. 

STAPHYLOMA. 

This  disease  is  so  named  because  its  tumor  resembles  a  grape. 
The  cornea  loses  its  transparency,  rises  above  the  level  of  the 
eye,  and  even  projects  beyond  the  eyelids  in  the  form  of  a  whitish 
colored  tumor. 
18 


274  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

This  disease  is  generally  seen  in  dogs  and  occasionally  in 
horned  cattle.  In  the  dog  it  occurs  from  two  causes — a  growth 
of  a  tumor  and  bulging  of  the  cornea  caused  by  distention  of  the 
anterior  chamber  by  increased  secretion  of  its  natural  contents. 
In  the  first  form,  there  will  appear  a  small  ulcer  excavation  in 
the  center  of  the  tumor;  the  ulcer  has  a  tendency  to  eat  its  way 
through  the  cornea,  and  destroy  the  eye  by  allowing  the  escape 
of  its  contents.  If  an  ulcer  is  present  it  should  be  touched  with 
a  point  of  the  nitrate  of  silver.  Afterward  the  thickening  may 
be  removed  by  excision,  or  by  caustic. 

Staphyloma,  due  to  dropsy  of  the  eye,  admits  of  but  one 
remedy,  and  that  may  prove  to  be  only  palliative.  The  cornea  is 
to  be  punctured  to  allow  the  escape  of  the  contained  fluids. 
Ulcers  of  the  eye  are  best  treated  with  the  nitrate  of  silver, 
either  in  solution  or  in  its  solid  form. 

LACERATION  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

This  may  occur  in  various  ways,  causing  the  escape  of  aqueous 
humor.  If  it  is  a  clean  cut,  the  chances  are  that  the  cornea  will 
heal  and  the  aqueous  humor  be  reproduced.  But  if  the  cornea  is 
badly  lacerated  or  torn,  inflammation  Avill  set  in,  and  the  aqueous 
humor  will  not  be  reproduced.  There  usually  remains  a  slight 
cicatrix,  which,  as  a  rule,  does  not  interfere  with  vision. 

WORM  IN  THE  EYE. 

Two  kinds  of  worms  have  been  noticed  inhabiting  the  eye — 
the  filaria  oculi,  and  the  strongylus  equinus.  They  vary  from 
half  an  inch  to  about  two  inches  in  length.  The  parasites  are 
taken  into  the  stomach  along  with  the  food  or  water,  and  reach 
the  eye  through  the  circulation.  After  reaching  the  eye,  the 
parasite  develops  and  grows  very  rapidly.  The  movement  of  the 
worm  in  the  eye  sets  up  an  irritation,  which  causes  a  flow  of 
tears.  On  examining  the  eye  something  like  a  thread  may  be 
seen.  The  worm  moves  about  quickly.  If  allowed  to  remain, 
a  loss  of  vision  will  result. 


DISEASES   OF  THE   EYES. 


275 


Treatment. — The  only  method  by  which  the  worm  can  be 
removed  from  the  eye  is  by  means  of  a  surgical  operation,  and 
consists  of  an  incision  through  the  cornea,  allowing  the  aqueous 
humor  and  the  worm  with  it  to  pass  out.  This  should  be  en- 
trusted only  to  the  veterinary  surgeon.  In  some  cases  it  be- 
comes necessary  to  place  the  animal  in  a  darkened  box  for  a  few 
days,  allow  the  aqueous  humor  to  reaccumulate,  and  operate 
again  where  the  worm  could  not  be  removed  by  the  first  opera- 
tion. 

STRABISMUS  SQUINTING. 

Irregular  action  of  the  muscles  of  the  eye  never  occur  in  the 
lower  animals  except  as  a  symptom  of  other  diseases  or  forms  of 
poisoning.  Myopia,  no  doubt,  exists  in  our  patients,  resulting 
from  too  great  convexity  of  the  crystalline  lense  and  cornea.  It 
causes  shying.  In  the  human  subject  the  defect  is  remedied  by 
using  concave  glasses.  There  is  no  other  remedial  measure 
known;  therefore  the  animal  goe^^  without  treatment. 

HYPERMETROPIA. 

This  is  the  opposite  condition,  and  constitutes  far-sightedness. 
This  is  remedied  in  man  by  convex  glasses.  As  our  patients  can 
use  no  glasses,  we  know  of  no  remedy  for  the  lower  animals. 
Ossification  of  the  eye-ball  is  noticed  sometimes.  Calcarious 
growths,  melanotic  deposits,  and  ossious  deposits  are  sometimes 
seen  in  connection  with  the  eye.  They  are  incurable.  Ulcera- 
tion of  the  cornea  has  been  referred  to  under  the  head  of  staphy- 
loma, and  should  be  treated  by  touching  the  ulcer  twice  daily 
M'ith  nitrate  of  silver — ten  grains  to  an  ounce  of  water.  Pay 
particuhir  attention  to  the  animal's  health. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  EYE-BALL. 

This  may  occur  in  various  ways.  It  occurs  very  frequently 
in  dogs  fighting. 

Treatment. — If  seen  at  once,  there  is  a  possibility  of  return- 
ing the  eye  and  keeping  it  in  place;  judicious  use  of  bandages  and 


276  THE  STOCK  owner's  advisek. 

cold  water,  etc.,  may  effect  a  cure.  If  the  eye-ball  is  cold  and 
has  been  hanging  ont  for  several  hours,  a  cure  cannot  be  effected, 
and  the  ball  must  be  removed. 

WARTS  ON  THE  EYELIDS. 

AYarts  are  not  uncommon  on  the  cutaneous  surface  of  the  eye- 
lids or  on  their  border.  They  are  very  often  of  an  encrusted 
nature  and  difficult  to  remove.  If  they  have  a  neck  it  is  best  to 
remove  them  by  excision  or  ligature;  if  broad  in  the  base,  strong 
acetic  acid  should  be  applied. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

AVounds  of  the  eyelids  are  to  be  treated  on  conservative  princi- 
ples; nothing  must  be  destroyed;  the  edges  are  to  be  kept  to- 
gether by  fine  silver  suture  wire  or  silk.  It  is  remarkable  how 
little  blemish  will  remain  when  they  are  brought  together  nicely. 
Zinc  sulphate,  five  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water,  with  a  small 
quantity  of  opium,  may  be  added. 

MEMBRANE  NICTITANS. 

An  inflammation  of  this  membrane  takes  place  at  times,  being 
manifested  by  redness  and  swelling.  Use  fomentations  and  ap- 
ply zinc  sulphate,  grains  forty;  opium  tr.,  ounces  two;  water, 
ounces  eight. 

Ulceration  of  this  membrane  is  occasionally  seen,  and  it  be- 
comes diseased  to  such  an  extent  that  it  cannot  be  healed.  When 
such  is  the  case,  it  should  be  removed  with  the  scissors,  after 
having  first  secured  the  membrane  with  the  tenaculum.  It 
should  never  be  removed  except  in  cases  where  there  is  no  alter- 
native. Ignorant  horsemen  have  from  time  immemorial  re- 
moved this  membrane  for  a  disease  they  call  hooks,  which  in 
reality  was  lockjaw.  It  has  also  been  removed  by  some  for 
evea-y  disease  of  the  eye. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   EYES.  277 

STRICTURE  OF  THE  rACHRYMAL  DUCT. 

This  is  due  to  the  thickening  of  its  lining  mucous  membrane, 
from  catarrh  of  the  nose  extending  into  the  duet,  or  from  the 
inflammation  of  ghinds.  The  tears  flow  over  the  side  of  the  face, 
constituting  what  is  termed  watery  eye.  The  common  seat  of 
stricture  of  the  lachrymal  duct  appears  to  be  at  the  superior  part, 
and  is  best  treated  by  syringing  with  cold  water,  from  the  puncta 
lachrymalis  downward,  or  it  may  be  necessary  to  dilate  it.  Treat- 
ment of  this  condition  must  be  entrusted  to  the  veterinary  sur- 
geon. 

ECTROPIUM,  OR  EVERSION  OF  THE  EYELID. 

This  is  commonly  seen  in  dogs  as  a  result  of  distemper.  The 
conjunctiva  should  be  scraped  and  the  nitrate  of  silver  applied. 
AVhen  this  fails  it  becomes  necessary  to  excise  an  elliptical  shaped 
portion  of  the  conjunctival  membrane,  using  the  curved  scissors 
for  the  purpose;  after  which  use  fomentations  and  use  the  rem- 
edy described  for  wounds  of  the  eyelids. 

ENTROPIUM,  OR  INVERSION  OF  THE  LID. 

This  is  exactly  the  opposite  of  ectropium,  the  eyelid  being 
doubled  in  instead  of  outward. 

Treatment. — Part  of  the  eyelid  skin  must  be  removed,  in 
order  to  remove  the  surplus,  so  that  when  the  wound  heals  the 
lid  will  be  retained  in  i^roper  position. 


XIX. 

HERNIA. 

Abdominal  hernia,  or  ruptures,  are  classified  as  reducible, 
irriducible,  and  strangulated,  according  to  their  condition,  and 
into  inguinal,  scrotal,  ventral,  umbilical,  and  diaphragmatic, 
according  to  their  situation.  A  hernia  may  be  defined  to  be  a 
protrusion  of  the  whole  or  part  of  an  organ  from  its  natural 
cavity. 

INGUINAL  HERNIA. 

This  form  is  most  commonly  met  with  in  young  animals  and 
stallions.  It  consists  of  a  passage  of  a  portion  of  the  intestines 
through  the  internal  abdominal  ring,  and  into  the  inguinal  canal. 
Sometimes  the  intestine  passes  down  and  becomes  strangulated, 
causing  colicky  pains.  The  animal  rolls,  gets  up,  and  is  all  right; 
the  intestine  has  returned  to  its  place.  There  are  usually  no 
external  signs  of  hernia  of  this  description;  it  therefore  requires 
a  careful  examination,  with  some  knowledge  of  the  anatomy  of 
the  parts,  to  diagnose  it  correctly.  Castration  tends  to  prevent 
it,  by  causing  contraction  of  the  inguinal  canal. 

SCROTAL   HERNIA. 

This  form  is  not  common  among  young  animals;  it  is  often 
congenital,  being  frequently  seen  at  birth  or  soon  after.  In  such 
cases  it  should  be  left  alone,  as  it  usually  disappears  in  eight  or 
nine  months.  Scrotal  hernia  will  cause  but  little  inconvenience 
unless  it  becomes  strangulated. 

Symptoms. — It  is  not  always  easy  to  distinguish  scrotal  ente- 
rocele  from  other  swellings  of  the  genitals,  and  particularly  when 
the  hernia  is  complicated  with  sarcocele  or  varicocele,  a  thicken- 
ing of  the  cord,  or  a  combination  of  these  affections.    If  it  is  a 

(278) 


HERNIA. 


279 


true  hernia  it  will  increase  in  size  after  a  full  meal.  The  exam- 
iner should  take  hold  of  the  suspected  mass,  while  an  assistant 
coughs  the  animal.  If  it  be  a  portion  of  the  bowel,  it  will  be 
drawn  up  when  the  animal  coughs.  If  it  be  raised  up  with  the 
hand,  it  sensibly  diminishes  in  volume,  from  part  of  its  contents 
being  withdrawn  into  the  abdomen,  which  retraction  is  some- 
times attended  with  a  gurgling  sound. 

Treatment. — The  best  method  is  to  cast  the  animal,  and  by 
gentle  manipulation  return  the  intestine  into  the  abdominal 
cavity.  After  which,  take 
hold  of  the  testicles  and 
apply  clams  over  the 
scrotum,  close  up,  and 
allow  the  whole  affection 
to  slough  off.  This  method 
has  proven  satisfactory  in 
every  case  with  myself. 
A  good  and  very  success- 
ful operation,  known  as 
the  covered  operation, 
must  be  entrasted  with 
the  veterinary  surgeon. 
The  operation  is  per- 
formed   as    follows:    The  Fig.  73-Scrotal  Hernia. 

skin  and  dartos  muscle  are  to  be  carefully  separated  from  the 
tunica  reilexa  until  the  hernial  sack  is  fully  exposed  to  view,  and 
incision,  sufficiently  large  to  introduce  the  finger,  is  then  to  be 
carefully  made  into  it.  The  hernial  sack  being  exposed  to  view, 
the  finger  along  with  the  bistoury  should  be  passed  into  the 
opening  and  divide  the  structure.  It,  as  a  rule,  will  now  pass 
back  into  its  place;  but  if  a  large  quantity  of  intestines  are  im- 
prisoned, it  will  be  necessary  to  enlarge  the  tunica  reflexa,  so 
that  the  bowel  may  be  pulled  out,  gently  unravelled,  and  re- 
turned. The  return  being  effected,  the  scrotum,  including  the 
skin,  cord,  and  tunicas  are  to  be  enclosed  in  a  plain  clam,  which 


280  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

is  to  be  left  on  until  it  sloughs.  If  a  case  of  hernia  is  met  with  in 
a  stallion,  he  should  be  cast,  and  the  bowel  returned;  after  which 
clams  maj  be  placed  over  the  scrotum,  beneath  the  testicle,  and 
a  portion  of  the  scrotum  allowed  to  slough  off. 

STRANGULATED  HERNIA. 

Strangulated  hernia  is  where  the  intestine  protrudes  from  the 
abdominal  cavity;  being  compressed,  the  circulation  is  cut  off, 
causing  severe  pain.  The  animal  rolls,  paws,  and  turns  his  head 
to  the  parts,  in  some  cases  almost  touching  the  scrotum  with  his 
nose.     Sweats  break  out  over  the  body.     See  Fig.  73,  page  279. 

Treat:\ie>;t. — The  animal  should  be  cast  and  turned  upon  his 
back;  the  hind  parts  are  to  be  elevated,  and  the  parts  manipu- 
lated. When  gas  is  generated  in  the  strangulated  mass,  it  may 
become  necessary  to  puncture  with  a  small  trocar  before  it  can 
be  returned.  When  returned  the  clams  should  be  applied  over 
the  whole  mass,  and  it  allowed  to  slough  off. 

UMBILICAL  HERNIA. 

This  form  of  hernia  consists  of  the  protrusion  of  a  portion  of 
the  bowel  through  the  umbilical  opening.  It  is  more  frequently 
met  with  in  young  animals.  The  best  method  of  treatment  in 
this  form  of  hernia  is  simply  by  taking  the  mass  in  the  left  hand, 
pressing  the  contents  into  the  abdominal  cavity,  while  the  right 
hand  surrounds  it  by  a  ligature  placed  as  closely  as  possible  to 
the  abdominal  ]iarietes,  and  drawn  sufficiently  tight  to  cut  off  the 
circulation.  On  the  third  day  a  second  cord  should  be  tied 
around  it.  It  will  require  a  new  cord  every  few  days,  which 
should  always  be  tied  above  the  preceding  one.  The  whole  mass 
will  drop  off,  along  with  the  tumor,  in  from  ten  to  twelve  days. 
No  further  treatment  is  necessary.  The  next  best  and  most 
successful  method  is  to  cut  into  the  hernial  sack,  scarify  the 
edges  of  the  abdominal  opening,  bring  them  together,  secure  in 
place  with  catgut  sutures,  and  place  a  broad  bandage  around  the 
whole  body. 


HERNIA.  231 


VENTRAL  HERNIA. 

This  form  is  a  protrusion  of  the  bowels  through  an  artificial 
opening  in  the  abdomen.  It  may  be  small  or  large.  It  is  gen- 
erally caused  by  direct  injury,  as  being  gored,  jumping  fences, 
etc.  In  old  animals  hernia  may  occur  in  consequence  of  the 
abdominal  muscles  giving  way  without  any  apparent  cause*  The 
opening  of  abscesses  in  this  region  should  be  done  with  care,  as 
hernia  may  exist  with  the  abscess. 

Treatment. — If  small,  it  should  not  be  interfered  with.  If 
it  becomes  strangulated,  or  any  way  interferes  with  the  animal's 
usefulness,  it  may  be  removed.  If  it  is  small,  the  clams  is  the 
best  method  of  treatment.  If  large,  the  best  method  is  to  cut 
into  the  abdominal  wall,  scarify  the  edges  of  the  opening,  bring 
them  together,  suture,  and  bandage, 

DIAPHRAGMATIC  HERNIA. 

Here  the  bowels  pass  through  the  diaphragm  into  the  thoracic 
cavity.  This  is  very  rare.  It  may  be  caused  by  severe  exertions, 
or  jumping,  or  drawing  heavy  loads. 

Symptoms. — A  difficult  breathing,  in  addition  to  rolling  and 
tumbling.  The  body  becomes  bathed  with  sweat.  The  pulse 
quick  and  weak;  the  ears,  body,  and  extremities  cold;  death  in 
a  short  time.  It  is  very  hard  to  distinguish  this  disease  from 
spasmodic  colic  or  enteritis. 

Treatment  is  of  no  avail. 


XX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  HEAD  AND  NECK. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  EAR. 

The  ear  of  the  horse  seldom  is  the  seat  of  any  disease;  the  dog, 
however,  is  subject  to  well-known  forms  of  disease  of  the  ear — 
namely,  internal  and  external  canker.  The  horse  sometimes  suf- 
fers from  an  irritation  of 
the  ear,  due  to  a  parasite, 
or  from  eczema. 

POLL  EVIL. 

This  is  a  fistulous  ulcer 
situated  on  the  supero- 
posterior  portion  of  the 
cranium,  immediately  be- 
hind the  ears  of  the  horse, 
and  is  caused  by  acci- 
dental violence.  At  first 
a  soft,  fluctuating  tumor 
is  seen,  surrounded  by 
swelling  and  stiffness  of 
the  neck;  soon  the  inflam- 
mation of  the  surround- 
ing tissue  subsides, leaving 
a  prominent  swelling — a 
serous  abscess. 

Tkeatment. — The  trouble  is  seldom  noticed  in  time  to  reduce 
the  inflammation  by  applying  cold  water,  and  afterward  iodine. 
It  is  generally  noticed  after  pus  has  already  formed.  The  ab- 
scess should  be  laid  open  at  once,  to  the  bottom,  if  possible,  and 
the  wound  should  be  kept  open  for  some  time.  Treat  as  an  ordi- 
nary abscess.  If  the  abscess  has  already  burst,  discharging  a 
fetid,"  unhealthy  pus,  the  disease  will  be  found  to  have  assumed 
a  most  formidable  aspect. 

(282) 


Fig.  74-Poll  Evil. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    HEAD   AND    NECK. 


283 


The  treatment  of  a  ease  of  this  description  is  a  matter  of  some 
difficulty.  The  sinuses  must  be  probed  into  and  laid  open  to 
their  very  base,  and  the  whole  dressed  with  a  solution  of  the 
bichloride  of  mercury — mercury,  four  drachms;  water,  four 
ounces.  The  linings  of  the  sinus  will  thus  be  destroyed  and  the 
whole  converted  into  a  common  wound.  Where  there  is  but  one 
sinus,  and  that  a  deep  one,  a  seton  may  be  inserted  in  the  original 
opening  and  brought  out  on  the  side  of  the  jioll. 

In  some  cases  where  neglected,  the  disease  involves  the  syno- 
vial membrane  of  the  occipito-atloidean  articulation,  causing 
anchylosis  of  the  joint.  In  some  cases  it  penetrates  the  capsules 
of  the  cervical  vertebrae,  causing  sudden  death  by  pressure  upon 
the  medulla  spinatis. 

FISTULOUS  WITHERS. 

Fistulous  withers  resembles  poll  evil  in  all  particulars  except 
its  seat.     It  is  caused  by  bruises  from  ill-fitting  saddles.     The 


Fig.  75 — Fistulous  Withers. 

treatment  is  the  same  as  for  i)oll  evil — namely,  to  make  a  depend- 
ing orifice  for  the  drainage  of  the  pus,  and  the  sinuses  laid  open, 
or  counter  openings  made  by  setons. 


XXI. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 

ERYTHEMA. 

This  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  outer  layer  of  the 
dermis  or  skin,  produced  Ly  mild  irritating  agents,  such  as  rubi- 
facents,  or  from  inflammation  depending  upon  constitutional  dis- 
turbance. When  present,  there  is  a  redness  of  the  skin,  with 
heat,  swelling,  and  irritation.  The  causes  are  cold  and  heat 
operating  alternately  on  the  skin,  friction,  pressure,  heredity, 
debility,  plethora,  and  poverty.    We  have  the  acute  and  chronic 

forms.  The  chronic 
fonn  is  seen  in  long- 
standing  cracked 
heels. 

CRACKED  HEELS 

Is  very  common 
among  race  horses  of 
both  classes,  and  is 
most  frequently  seen 
in  the  hind  limbs.  It 
is  produced  in  a 
variety  of  ways,  as 
washing  the  heels  and 
not  drying  them  prop- 
erly, filthy  stables,  irregular  exercise.  A  fruitful  cause  is  per- 
spiration collecting  in  the  heels  and  in  the  flexures.  Heat  and 
cold  will  produce  it.  Washing  the  legs  and  not  properly  drying 
them  is  no  doubt  the  chief  cause. 

Symptoms. — At  first  there  will  be  a  slightly  reddened  appear- 
ance of  the  heel.     This  is  followed  by  a  crack  or  fissure.     The 

(284) 


•  ^  ''^*f:n%i^y^j^s^^^^^- 


Fig.  76 — Cracked  Heels  to  the  Extent 
of  Sloughing. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    SKIN.  285 

animal  will  be  stiff  and  walk  in  a  j^eculiar,  stiff  manner.  It 
sometimes  takes  on  an  odematoiis  condition,  extending  as  high  as 
the  hock. 

Tkeatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a  comfortable,  loose  box, 
and  give  rest.  Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  If  the  irritation  is 
severe,  poultices  should  be  used;  they  prove  very  beneficial  by 
softening  the  i3arts  and  bringing  about  a  healthy  action.  Glyce- 
rine should  be  applied  on  the  heels  on  going  out  and  a  poultice 
on  coming  in.  A  lotion  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  six  drachms,  one 
ounce  of  sugar  of  lead,  to  a  quart  of  water  may  be  used.  Car- 
bolic acid,  one  part  of  acid  to  twenty  parts  of  water,  is  beneficial. 

The  acute  forms  of  erythema  are  often  witnessed  in  prolonged 
wet  weather,  involving  the  limbs  to  a  certain  extent;  sometimes 
all  four  legs,  arms,  thighs,  and  abdomen  are  covered  by  patches 
of  superficial  inflammation. 

MUD  FEVER. 

Its  cause  is  similar  to  cracked  heel,  as  wet,  dirt,  washing  the 
legs.     It  is  generally  seen  in  the  winter  and  spring  months. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  discovered  a  superficial  inflamma- 
tion of  the  skin.  The  pain  is  severe,  the  hair  loses  its  connection, 
coming  off  in  patches.  Suppuration  sometimes  takes  place  in  the 
flexures  of  the  knee,  hock,  and  pasterns.  The  appetite  is  affected, 
the  pulse  runs  up,  and  there  may  be  some  rise  in  temperature. 

Treatment. — Give  six  drachms  of  aloes  internally,  and  apply 
the  zinc,  lead  and  acid  lotion  to  the  parts  externally.  Carbolic 
lotion,  one  to  twenty,  may  be  used.  The  zinc  and  lead  lotion  pre- 
viously referred  to  is  highly  beneficial. 

HERPES. 

This  disease  is  expressed  by  patches  of  irregular  form  and 
variable  size,  upon  each  of  which  there  arises  groups  of  vesicles. 
The  vesicles  are  larger  than  those  of  eczema,  and  contain  a  milky 
substance.    It  is  generally  confined  to  the  lips,  but  may  involve 


286  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

the  whole  body.     It  is  noticed  at  the  convalescent  stage  of  in- 
fluenza.   It  is  due  to  some  changed  condition  of  the  blood. 

Symptoms. — A  reddened  appearance  of  the  skin ;  the  hair  falls 
off  in  patches.  There  will  be  an  increase  in  temperature  as  well 
as  an  increase  in  the  pulse. 

Treatment. — For  this  and  all  other  skin  diseases,  where  an 
astringent  and  antiseptic  is  needed,  the  zinc,  lead  and  acid  lotion 
is  superior  to  others.  Zinc  sulphate,  one  ounce  to  a  quart  of 
water,  is  useful.  The  carbolic  acid  lotion  may  be  used  with  good 
results. 

URTICARIA— NETTLE  RASH,  SURFEIT. 

This  is  a  frequent  form  of  skin  disease  in  the  horse,  and  con- 
sists of  small,  elastic  eminences,  varying  in  size  and  shape,  and 
attended  with  itching.  The  lumps  rise  quickly,  and  may  be  seen 
over  the  whole  body.  They  disappear  as  quickly  as  they  come. 
It  is  seen  most  frequently  in  the  summer  months,  when  the 
animal  is  changing  its  coat.  It  is  caused  by  some  disorder  of  the 
digestive  apparatus.  A  sudden  change  of  diet  will  frequently 
produce  it.    Large  draughts  of  cold  water  may  produce  it. 

Treatment. — A  mild  purgative,  six  drachms  of  aloes,  as  a 
rule,  is  all  that  is  necessary  to  give.  If  there  is  much  irritation 
and  itching  the  zinc,  lead  and  acid  lotion  should  be  used. 

SIMPLE  ECZEMA. 

This  disease  is  very  common  in  the  horse.  No  doubt  more 
horses  suffer  from  eczema  than  from  all  other  skin  diseases  com- 
bined. It  "is  seen  more  frequently  in  the  summer  months.  Sim- 
ple eczema  is  a  non-contagious  disease  of  the  skin,  characterized 
by  the  formation  of  a  small  pimple,  which  subsequently  becomes 
a  vesicle  and  ultimately  a  pustule. 

Cause. — A  changed  condition  of  the  blood,  or  a  change  in  the 
weather.  Certain  foods  produce  it,  as  barley,  a  run  at  grass.  It 
is  thought  that  ripe  grasses  will  produce  it.     It  is.  due  to  some 


DISEASES   OF   THE    SKIN".  287 

constitutional  disturbance.  I  do  not  believe  that  it  can  be  pro- 
duced bj  the  aiDplication  of  irritants,  as  is  generally  supposed. 

Symptoms. — It  usually  comes  on  suddenly,  and  is  manifested 
by  itchiness,  which  causes  the  animal  to  rub  and  bite  itself  until 
the  hair  and  cuticle  are  brought  off,  leaving  the  skin  red,  raw, 
and  inflamed.  Excessive  crops  of  vesicles  develop  themselves, 
dry  on  the  sore  skin,  or  discharge  a  fluid  which  seems  to  cause  a 
distention  of  the  disorder. 

Treatment. — Both  local  and  constitutional  remedies  must  be 
employed  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease,  and  it  is  difficult  to 
treat.  Six  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  given  and  followed  by 
potassium  nitrate,  one-half  ounce;  sweet  spirits  nitre,  one  ounce. 
This  must  be  given  in  a  drench ;  two  or  three  doses  may  be  given. 
The  animal  should  be  dieted.  Use  the  zinc  lead  and  acid  lotion. 
Acid  hydro-cyanic,  a  half  ounce;  aqua,  eight  ounces,  may  be  used 
locally  to  the  parts.  Arsenite  of  potash  should  be  given,  and  is 
to  be  prepared  as  follows:  Acid  arsenious,  one  drachm;  potas- 
sium carbonate,  one  drachm;  aqua,  twelve  drachms;  mix  and  boil 
slowly  until  the  arsenic  is  dissolved,  and  strain  when  cold.  Each 
ounce  of  the  solution  contains  five  grains  of  arsenic.  The  dose  is 
from  a  half  ounce  to  an  ounce  of  the  liquor.  Fowler's  solution 
of  arsenic  may  be  tried.  Acid  carbolic,  one  to  sixteen,  is  a  good 
local  remedy.  The  local  treatment  should  be  frequently  changed. 
A  very  good  lotion  consists  of  corrosive  sublimate,  two  drachms; 
spirits  of  wine,  four  ounces;  aqua,  one  pint. 

MAILENDERS. 

This  is  an  eczematous  condition,  and  occurs  in  the  flexures  of 
the  knee-joints,  causing  a  scurfiness  and  dryness  of  the  part.  It 
occurs  more  frequently  among  heavy  horses,  and  in  stallions  more 
frequently  than  mares  or  geldings. 

Cause. — Sluggish  circnlation,  irregular  exercise,  stimulating 
food,  or  from  the  effects  of  a  vesicant. 

Symptoms. — Eedness  and  a  discharge  of  serous  character  takes 
place.    Cracks  appear,  and  the  case  may  take  on  a  chronic  form. 


288  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

The  treatment  is  both  local  and  constitutional,  and  is  difficult. 
Eight  drachms  of  aloes  should  be  given,  followed  by  potassium 
nitrate,  a  half  ounce,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  ounce.  Fomen- 
tations should  be  used.  As  a  local  aj)plication,  corrosive  subli- 
mate is  useful ;  it  should  be  used  in  the  proportion  of  two  drachms 
of  sublimate  to  four  ounces  of  water.  The  iodide  of  potash  com- 
pound is -of  service.  Tincture  of  opium  and  glycerine  make  a 
good  mixture  to  allay  the  irritation  of  the  parts. 

SALLENDERS. 

This  condition  occurs  in  the  flexures  of  the  hock,  and  is  the 
same  condition  as  mallenders.  The  pathology,  symptoms,  and 
treatment  are  the  same. 

PRURIGO   OR  PRTJRITIS— RUBBING  THE   TAIL. 

This  is  a  disordered  condition  of  the  skin,  caused  by  functural 
derangement  of  the  nerves  of  the  part.  Is  seen  about  the  roots 
of  the  tail  and  mane.    The  condition  is  hard  to  cure. 

Cause. — Irregular  exercise  and  generous  feeding  are  proba- 
bly the  most  usual  causes.  It  is  seen  most  frequently  during  the 
hot  months. 

Symptoms. — Rubbing  the  mane  and  tail  are  the  symptoms. 
The  treatment  consists  of  cleansing  the  parts  thoroughly  with 
warm  water,  and  applying  potassium  liquor,  two  drachms;  hydro- 
cyanic acid,  one  drachm;  aqua,  two  pints,  to  the  irritated  parts  of 
the  skin.  In  case  the  animal  is  a  valuable  stallion  kept  in  a 
loose  box,  a  bar  of  wood  should  be  placed  around  the  box  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  reach  just  above  the  hocks;  this  will  prevent  him 
rubbing  the  tail.  The  tail  may  be  protected  by  a  strong  leather 
band  securely  fastened.  The  rubbing  may  be  due  to  the  worms 
ascarides  in  the  lactum.  The  method  of  removing  them  will  be 
given  later.  There  is  no  doubt  that  prurites  becomes  a  habit 
with  some  horses. 


DISEASES    OF   THE    SKIN. 


289 


GREASE 

Is  a  disease  showing  itself  in  connection  with  the  heels  of  a  horse. 
It  is  of  an  eczematous  nature,  and  is  known  as  grease  on  account 
of  its  peculiar  oily  or  greasy  discharge.  There  is  a  superficial  in- 
flammation, which  extends  and  involves  the  hair  follicles  and 
sebaceous  glands.  It  is 
seen  principally  in 
heavy  horses,  and  is 
worse  in  some  climates 
than  in  others.  The 
causes  of  grease  are 
predisposing  and  excit- 
ing. Heavy  breeds  are 
predisposed,  as  well  as 
horses  having  flat  feet 
and  large  quantities  of 
hair  on  the  limbs.  The 
exciting  cause  is  wash- 
ing too  frequently 
without  drying.  Crack- 
ed heels  often  tenni- 
nate  in  grease,  and  are 
caused  by  the  same  in- 
fluence which  produces 
grease. 


Fig.  77 — Grease,  terminating  in  Elephantiasis. 


Symptoms. — Swelling,  accompanied  with  a  slight  discharge. 
Soon  this  discharge  becomes  of  an  oily  character  and  the  hair 
comes  out.  On  first  coming  out  of  the  stable,  the  animal  w^alks 
very  gingerly,  but  soon  warms  up  and  goes  all  right.  When  the 
papilla  becomes  enlarged  there  is  usually  a  very  offensive  odor 
accompanying  it.  It  is  then  known  as  the  grapous  stage.  There 
is  generally  well-marked  fever  present.     Grease,  if  neglected, 

may  terminate  in  elephantiasis. 
19 


290  THE    STOCK    0\V Is  Kit's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — Clip  the  hair  from  the  parts  and  use  the  zinc 
lead  and  acid  lotion.  It  is  a  mistake  to  nse  powerful  remedies  at 
first.  Carbolic  acid  in  its  undiluted  state  should  be  applied 
thoroughly  to  the  parts,  and  the  zinc  and  lead  lotion  used  for  a 
few  days,  when  the  acid  should  be  applied  again  as  stated  before. 
It  should  never  be  used  more  than  twice  in  its  undiluted  form. 
Charcoal  should  be  used  to  destroy  the  odor.  Solutions  of  car- 
bolic acid,  one  to  sixteen,  may  be  applied  for  this  purpose.  When 
grapes  are  present  they  should  be  removed  by  the  actual  cautery, 
it  being  more  effectual  than  caustics.  To  do  this  requires  two 
irons,  one  hot  and  the  other  cold.  The  cold  iron  is  to  be  placed 
so  as  to  protect  the  healthy  structures,  while  the  hot  one  removes 
the  grapes.  A  very  useful  apj)lieation  to  greasy  and  cracked 
heels  is  found  in  the  benzoated  oxide  of  zinc  ointment.  It  may 
result  in  ulcers  at  the  heel,  which  should  be  removed  by  caustics, 
such  as  caustic  potash  and  poultices.  The  constitutional  treat- 
ment consists  of  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  given  at  the  outset  of 
the  disease,  and  when  the  cathartic  acts,  give  arsenic  and  iron — 
five  grains  of  arsenic  to  two  drachms  of  sulphate  of  iron.  Give 
twice  a  day  in  feed. 

RAT  TAILS. 

This  is  an  inflamed  condition  of  the  dermis.  There  is  an  exu- 
date, the  papillary  layer  of  the  skin  becomes  enlarged,  showing 
transverse  ridges  resembling  rat  tails.  It  is  generally  seen  in 
the  hind  limb,  and  is  a  result  of  grease. 

Treatment. — Purgative,  and  use  the  zinc  lead  and  acid  lotion 
externally. 

CRTJSTA  lABIALIS. 

This  is  an  eczematous  condition,  and  is  said  to  be  due  to  the 
actions  of  grasses  in  the  pastures.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  it 
is  caused  by  some  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs. 

Treatment. — Use  the  carbolic  acid  lotion,  or  the  zinc  lotion, 
or  lead  lotion.    They  are  all  good  remedies. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    SKIN.  291 


ECTHEMA. 

This  condition  is  an  eruptive  pustular  disease.  It  is  said  to  be 
contagious.  It  is  sometimes  called  the  American  skin  disease  of 
horses. 

It  is  characterized  by  medium  sized,  hard  pustules  over  the 
body.  These  pustules  finally  burst,  and  discharge  a  thin,  sticky 
fluid  of  the  color  of  straw.  Finally  an  unhealthy-looking  scab 
forms,  which  drops  off  in  time,  leaving  a  cicatrice. 

Treatment. — Give  six  drachms  of  aloes,  and  follow  with 
potassium  nitrate,  one-half  ounce;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one 
ounce.  Several  doses  of  the  latter  may  be  given.  Locally  the 
carbolic  acid  lotion  should  be  used.  The  different  other  prepara- 
tions referred  to  under  the  head  t^f  skin  disease  may  be  used. 

MANGE. 

This  disease  is  also  called  scabies.  It  is  due  to  an  animal  para- 
site belonging  to  the  family  of  sarcoptes.  They  burrow  in  the 
flesh,  and  occur  in  the  horse,  man,  sheep,  pigs,  and  cattle.  Be- 
sides the  sarcoptes,  there  is  a  parasite  known  as  the  dermato- 
dectes.  They  simply  hold  on  to  and  prick  the  skin.  Another 
variety  is  known  as  symbrotes;  they  neither  burrow  nor  prick 
the  skin,  but  cause  considerable  irritation,  and  are  common  to 
the  horse  and  ox.  The  above  mentioned  parasites  are  those 
causing  mange,  although  of  the  three  varieties  named  the  sar- 
coptes is  probably  the  one  oftenest  met  with  in  mange.  They 
may  be  carried  from  one  animal  to  another  by  means  of  the  har- 
ness, saddle,  or  clothing.  The  disease  is  not  frequently  met  with 
on  the  American  Continent,  and  the  parasites  causing  mange  are 
not  spontaneously  generated.  At  the  same  time,  it  should  be 
remembered  that  dirty  and  badly  kept  animals  are  more  prone  to 
receive  the  parasites,  and  offer  better  advantages  for  their  pro- 
duction. 

Symptoms. — If  sarcoptes  be  present  there  will  be  vesicular 
eruptions  and  intense  itching,  which  increases  towards  night. 


292  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 

This  pruritis  is  supposed  to  be  due  to  an  acrid  fluid  which  the 
parasites  deposit  in  the  gallery  in  which  it  is  lodged.  This  form 
of  mange  is  seen,  as  a  rule,  on  the  sides  of  the  neck  and  withers, 
and  thence  may  extend  over  the  entire  body.  Small,  hard  pim- 
ples may  be  felt  which  contain  a  scab,  which  can  be  easily  re- 
m-^  'd,  exposing  a  surface  an  eighth  of  an  inch  in  diameter. 
Large  surfaces  become  destitute  of  hair  in  the  advanced  stage. 
The  skin  takes  on  the  appearance  of  the  rhinoceros. 

The  symptoms  of  the  presence  of  the  dermatodectes  are  char- 
acterized by  great  itching,  with  the  formation  of  pustules,  an 
eighth  of  an  inch  in  height,  soon  forming  a  vesicle,  which  rup- 
tures and  allows  the  serous  contents  to  escape;  these  dry  and 
form  a  crust.  These  parasites  are  found  at  the  upper  border  of 
the  neck  and  root  of  the  tail;  they  spread  more  slowly  and  are 
easier  to  cure  than  the  sarcoptes. 

The  symptoms  of  symbiates  are  a  production  of  serum,  which 
forius  into  numerous  crusts  that  break  in  large  flakes.  They  do 
not  produce  the  same  amount  of  itching  as  the  other  forms. 
They  are  found  on  the  limbs  of  horses,  and  merely  bite  the  skin. 

Treatment  of  Mange. — First  wash  the  animal  thoroughly 
with  warm  water  and  soft  soap.  The  destruction  is  then  to  be 
effected  by  applying  carbolic  acid,  one  part  to  sixteen  of  water. 
This  should  only  be  applied  on  a  part  of  the  body  at  a  time.  It 
is  a  good  practice  to  have  the  animal  clipped  before  making  the 
application.  Solutions  of  the  iodide  of  potassium  and  of  the 
iodide  of  sulphur  have  proven  a  most  effective  remedy,  in  pro- 
portions of  one  ounce  of  iodide  to  eight  of  sulphur.  Sulphur  and 
lard  have  been  used  with  good  results — one  ounce  of  sulphur  to 
three  or  four  ounces  of  lard.  Staphisagria  seeds,  four  ounces; 
water,  one  gallon,  boiled  until  the  residue  measures  two  quarts, 
and  applied  to  the  skin  as  hot  as  can  be  borne  is  a  most  effectual 
remedy.  Mange  in  cattle  and  dogs  will  be  dealt  with  in  the 
chapters  on  dogs  and  cattle. 


DISEASES   OF   THE    SKIN.  293 

RINGWORM. 

This  disease  is  due  to  a  parasite  belonging  to  the  crytogama, 
or  vegetable  kingdom.  It  is  contagious;  attacks  animals,  and  is 
communicated  from  one  to  another,  and  from  animals  to  man. 

Symptoms. — Small  pimples  appear  on  various  parts  r "  'he 
body.  After  some  time  the  hair  begins  to  fall  out  in  circular 
patches,  and  unless  stopped  the  patches  soon  spread  over  the 
entire  body.  Its  favorite  seat  is  on  the  hind  quarters,  back  and 
neck.     It  is  accompanied  by  slight  itchiness. 

Treatment. — First  remove  the  crusts  by  washing  the  parts 
with  warm  water  and  soft  soap.  Apply  to  the  parts  the  carbo- 
nate of  potash  or  the  iodine  ointment — iodi  potass,  iodi  a  a,  one 
drachm ;  adeps,  one  ounce.  The  carbolic  acid  lotion  may  be  used. 
Nitrate  of  silver,  twenty  grains  to  a  pint  of  water,  may  be  used. 

LICE 

Are  seen  in  poor,  uncared  for,  half-starved  animals  and  in 
very  old  animals.  The  treatment  is  to  clip  the  animal  and  wash 
with  a  decoction  of  stavesacre,  one  ounce  of  the  powdered  seeds 
to  a  pint  of  water.  Carbolic  acid  lotion,  used  in  the  same  pro- 
portion as  recommended  for  mange,  is  an  effectual  remedy. 

POULTRY  LICE. 

These  lice  sometimes  get  on  horses  and  cows,  causing  great 
itching,  the  animal  scarcely  being  quiet  for  a  moment.  He  rubs 
against  everything  near  him.  At  night  his  torments  increase. 
A  horse  infested  with  these  lice  will  fall  off  in  appetite  and  grow 
thin. 

Treatment. — Treat   as   for  horse   lice,  'and   whitewash   the 

stables. 

FLEA. 

Where  the  animal  is  infested  with  fleas,  it  should  be  dusted 
with  the  Persian  insect  powder.  Attention  should  be  paid  to 
cleanliness. 


294  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 


TICKS. 

They  are  seen  in  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  and  dogs.  Their  mouths 
are  in  the  form  of  a  sucker,  and  they  attach  themselves  so  firmly 
that  they  cannot  be  removed  without  tearing  away  the  skin. 
They  generally  attach  themselves  to  the  parts  least  covered  with 
hair.  To  remove  them,  their  bodies  must  be  cut  off  by  sharp 
scissors,  or  kill  them  with  the  oil  of  turpentine.  They  multiply 
rapidly  in  hot  climates,  particularly  in  low  lands  or  tidewater 
counties. 

FLY. 

A  small  fly  resembling  the  house  fly  often  proves  a  great 
source  of  trouble  among  horses  and  cattle  during  the  months  of 
August  and  September.  They  are  longer  and  slimmer  than  the 
common  house  fly.     They  are  most  abundant  in  low,  wet  places. 

Treatment. — Use  the  carbolic  acid  lotion;  keep  the  animal  in 
during  the  day.    Preparations  containing  tar  should  be  used. 

BOT  FLIES. 

Bot  fly  eggs  are  deposited  in  the  skin,  and  are  there  developed 
into  the  larva  of  the  fly.  The  bot  of  the  ox  is  a  large  species. 
They  form  tumors  on  the  backs  of  cows  and  oxen  as  large  as  a 
partridge  egg.  When  the  egg  is  deposited  it  is  attended  with 
severe  suffering,  causing  the  cattle  to  run  wild  and  furious  and 
stray  from  the  pastures.  They  will  run  bellowing  from  the  rest 
of  the  herd  to  brush  or  water.  The  tail  from  the  severe  pain  is 
held  with  a  tremulous  motion  straight  from  the  body,  and  the 
head  and  neck  stretched  out  to  the  utmost.  If  the  laiwa  be  re- 
moved from  its  nest  it  will  be  seen  to  be  of  a  white  and  almost 
transparent  color.  When  it  has  attained  its  full  growth  it  works 
its  way  out  and  drops  to  the  ground,  and  ultimately  becomes  a 
fly.  Bots  are  found  in  other  animals,  and  are  said  to  exist  in  man. 


xxn. 

DISEASES  OF   THE  VEINS   AND   ARTERIES. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  JUGULAR  VEIN. 

This  occurs  as  a  sequel  to  bleeding.  It  is  characterized  by  a 
reddening  of  all  its  coats,  an  exudation  ponrs  out  from  the  coats 
of  the  vein,  which  along  with  its  contents  forms  a  solid  coaguliim 
or  clot.  At  first  the  clot  is  but  loosely  attached  to  the  interior 
of  the  vessel,  but  soon  it  becomes  more  strongly  adherent,  the 
surrounding  areolar  tissue  is  infiltrated  with  serum,  and  that  in 
contact  with  the  vein,  adherent  to  it,  by  a  fibrinous  exudate. 
Generally  a  swelling  appears  along  the  course  of  the  coagulum, 
in  which  fluctuation  can  be  detected  similar  to  any  other  abscess. 
The  pus  is  confined  above  and  below  by  the  coaguliuu.  If  the 
vein  is  manipulated  on  its  course  towards  the  head,  it  will  be 
found  to  be  considerably  thickened.  The  swelling  extends  to- 
wards the  head. 

Tkeatment. — Apply  a  cantharides  blister  to  the  part.  If  ab- 
scesses have  formed,  they  must  be  opened  before  the  blister  is 
applied.  Inflammation  of  the  jugular  always  terminates  in  the 
permanent  closure  of  the  vessel. 

THROMBUS. 

This  disease  is  produced  through  improper  closure  of  the 
wound  after  Ideeding. 

Symptoms. — Swelling  in  the  noighl)orhood  of  the  wound.  The 
swelling  is  caused  by  the  exudation  of  a  small  amount  of  blood 
into  the  areolar  tissue.  The  exudation  is  from  the  jugular  vein, 
and  takes  place  in  about  twenty-four  hours  after  the  operation. 

Treatment. — Tie  tlio  head  to  the  rack,  and  apply  a  sponge 
saturated  with  cold  water  to  the  parts. 

(205) 


296  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

VARICOSE  VEINS 

Are  seldom  seen  in  the  lower  animals.  I  have  seen  the  condition 
in  horses  and  cattle.  The  treatment  is  pressure  to  the  parts.  If 
an  abscess  should  form,  it  should  be  opened  and  a  blister  applied. 
The  cantharides  blister  is  the  best  in  this  ease. 

VEIN  STONES. 

Concretions  have  been  seen  in  dilated  veins  of  the  neck  and 
other  parts. 

ENTRANCE  OF  AIR  INTO  VEINS. 

Air  rapidly  injected  into  the  veins  causes  immediate  death. 
The  animal  is  suddenly  seized  with  symptoms  of  faintness  and 
convulsive  breathing;  falls  and  perhaps  immediately  dies.  If 
only  a  small  quantity  enters  the  vein  the  animal  may  rally. 
This  subject  has  been  carefully  investigated,  and  it  behooves  the 
operator  to  be  careful  when  bleeding. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  ARTERIES. 

This  is  a  rare  aifection  in  the  lower  animals,  but  is  occasionally 
seen.  Inflammation  of  the  artery  is  caused  by  an  injury.  Exu- 
dation from  the  walls  of  the  inflamed  vessels  form  a  clot,  com- 
posed of  lymph  and  coagulated  blood,  which  plugs  the  artery. 
The  symptoms  of  plugging  of  the  external  iliacs  are  coldness  of 
the  extremities,  with  muscular  debility,  which  increases  with 
exercise.  The  diagnostic  sign  is  absence  of  pulsation  in  the 
artery,  detectible  by  examination  per  rectum.  The  animal  suf- 
fers great  pain,  the  limb  is  deathly  cold,  and  perspiration  breaks 
out  over  the  body.  He  may  suddenly  recover  and  appear  all 
right,  but  may  be  affected  again  at  any  time.  If  the  circulation 
is  completely  cut  off,  death  will  take  place. 

Treatment. — Apply  hot  fomentations  to  the  parts.  Hot  lini- 
ment may  be  applied  with  smart  friction.  If  the  limb  remains 
cold  after  this  treatment  has  been  employed,  it  may  be  ascer- 


DISEASE   OF  THE   VEINS  AND   ARTERIES.  297 

tained  that  the  circulation  of  blood  through  the  part  is  ob- 
structed. 

ANEURISM. 

Aneurism  is  a  tumor  produced  by  the  dilation  of  an  artery. 
When  all  the  coats  of  the  artery  are  dilated  and  form  a  pouch,  it 
is  known  as  true  aneurism.  Rupture  of  the  inner  coat,  while  the 
two  outer  coats  remain  uninjured,  constitute  a  false  aneurism. 
"When  tlie  outer  coats  are  ruptured,  and  the  inner  coat  remains 
uninjured,  it  is  known  as  hernial  aneurism.  A  dissecting  aneu- 
rism is  where  a  separation  of  two  of  the  coats  of  the  artery  takes 
place.  The  blood  flows  between  the  separated  coats  and  gradu- 
ally dissects  one  coat  from  the  other. 

Treatment. — If  the  aneurism  can  be  got  at,  it  should  be  cut 
down  upon,  the  artery  ligatured,  and  the  aneurism  dissected  out. 


xxin. 


LYMPHATICS. 

LYMPHANGITIS,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LYMPHATICS. 

LvmphfiD^gitis  is  known  by  a  variety  of  names,  as  Monday 
morning  disease,  weed,  etc.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  ab- 
sorbents, nsually  con- 
fined to  the  extremi- 
ties and  to  one  hind 
leg.  It  is  met  with 
more  frequently  in  the 
hea\^  breeds. 

Cause. — The  nsual 
canse  is  from  improper 
feeding,  as  when  an 
.  animal,  having  been 
worked  regularly,  is 
lain  off  work  for  a  few 
days  and  receives  the 
same  quantity  of  food 
as  when  working.  The 
horse's  food  should 
be  reduced  while  rest- 
ing. Injury  as  wounds 

or  kicks  will  also  pro- 
Fig.  78— Lymphangitis.  ^^^^g  ^^ 

Symptoms. — The  local  inflammation  is  generally  preceded  by 
rigors,  which  are  sometimes  very  severe.  The  mouth  is  hot,  the 
pulse  hard  and  strong.  The  visible  mucous  membranes  are  in- 
jected, and  there  is  an  increase  in  respiration.  The  bowels  will 
be  constipated  and  the  urine  highly  colored.     The  swelling  first 

(298) 


LYMPHATICS.  299 

appears  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh  and  extends  downward.  The 
lymphatic  glands  are  enlarged.  There  will  be  strong  desire  for 
water.    If  a  case  be  neglected,  it  will  result  in  elephantiasis. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  When  the  purga- 
tive has  acted,  a  diuretic  should  be  given — potassium  nitrate,  a 
half  ounce;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  ounce.  This  may  be  re- 
peated three  times  a  day  for  three  or  four  days.  Tincture  of 
aconite,  twenty  drops  every  four  hours,  should  be  given.  The 
limb  should  be  thoroughly  fomented  with  warm  water  three 
times  a  day.  xVfter  fomenting  the  limb  should  be  dried  and 
wrapped  in  cloths  in  order  to  retain  the  heat.  Belladonna  plas- 
ters are  good  to  relieve  pain. 

ELEPHANTIASIS. 

This  condition  is  caused  by  repeated  attacks  of  lymphangitis. 
The  areolar  tissue  becomes  thickened  at  each  attack;  new  blood 
vessels  and  nerves  are  formed  through  the  new  structure,  con- 
stituting the  condition  known  as  elephantiasis.  When  an  animal 
once  suffers  from  an  attack  of  lymphangitis,  he  is  more  liable  to 
succeeding  attacks. 

Treatment. — It  cannot  be  cured,  but  cold  water  may  have  a 
beneficial  effect. 


XXIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  MALE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION. 

ORCHITIS 

Is  an  inflammation  of  tlie  testicle.  It  is  a  very  serious  condition, 
but  not  frequently  met  with.  It  is  generally  caused  by  direct 
injury,  as  blows,  kicks  while  covering  mares. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  great  pain  manifested,  the  pulse 
being  full  and  bounding.  The  parts  are  greatly  swollen.  The 
animal  may  lie  down  and  attempt  to  roll.  He  expresses  his  pain 
by  frequent  groans,  and  experiences  great  difficulty  in  walking. 

Treatment. — Bathe  the  testicle  with  warm  water  for  an  hour 
at  a  time,  using  a  soft  sponge.  Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes. 
The  testicle  must  be  supported  by  means  of  a  suspensory  bandage 
padded  with  cotton.  This  should  be  kept  moist  by  warm  water. 
The  tincture  of  opium  or  belladonna  should  be  applied  locally  to 
allay  pain.  If  an  exudate  remains  after  the  inflammation  sub- 
sides, it  may  be  absorbed  by  administering  two  drachm  doses  of 
the  iodide  of  potash.  It  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  to  apply 
a  stimulant  or  blister. 

HYDROCELE, 

Or  dropsy  of  the  scrotum,  is  rarely  met  with.  It  may  result 
from  orchitis. 

Treatment. — Apply  iodine  and  lard — two  drachms  of  iodine 
to  two  ounces  of  lard.  If  there  is  much  serum  it  should  be  drawn' 
off  with  a  small  trocar  and  canua.  Iodide  of  potash  should  be 
given  internally,  in  two-drachm  doses,  three  times  a  day. 

PHYMOSIS, 

A  morbid  condition  of  the  sheath,  which,  from  contraction  of 
the  orifice,  prevents  the  exit  of  the  penis.     This  is  seen  more 

(300) 


DISEASES   OF  THE   MALE   ORGANS  OF   GENERATION.  301 

particularly  in  geldings.  It  is  due  to  injury  of  some  kind,  and 
may  be  produced  from  the  habit  of  not  properly  protruding  the 
penis  while  urinating. 

Treatment. — Foment  the  parts  with  warm  water  and  scarify. 
Give  internally  potassium  nitrate,  one-half  ounce;  sweet  spirits  of 
nitre,  one  ounce.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  enlarge 
the  prepuce  or  remove  warts. 

PARAPHYMOSIS. 

The  penis  protrudes  in  paraphymosis,  and  cannot  be  drawn 
within  the  sheath.  It  may  arise  from  a  weakened  condition  of 
the  penis,  or  from  direct  injury,  too  frequent  coition,  etc. 

Treatment. — If  it  results  from  paralysis,  amputation  is  the 
only  remedy.  When  it  is  caused  by  debility  or  injury,  it  should 
be  treated  with  a  view  of  returning  it.  If  there  is  much  swelling, 
it  should  be  scarified  and  placed  in  a  suspensory  bandage.  Apply 
fomentations,  as  cold  water.  It  becomes  necessary  in  some  cases 
to  puncture  the  sheath  to  prevent  strangulating  the  penis. 

AMPUTATION  OF  THE  PENIS. 

It  becomes  necessary  in  some  instances  to  amputate  the  penis. 
This  operation  will  require  the  employment  of  a  surgeon.  The 
animal  should  be  cast  and  chloroform  administered.  A  catheter 
should  be  introduced  into  the  urethra  and  held  in  position  by 
passing  a  ligature  around  the  penis  an  inch  above  the  intended 
incision.  The  penis  should  now  be  removed  by  a  bold  incision 
and  the  arteries  ligatured.  The  ecraseur  is  a  very  good  instru- 
ment for  removing  the  penis.  The  catheter  should  be  allowed  to 
remain  in  the  urethra  until  it  partly  heals,  in  order  to  prevent 
closing  of  the  urethra  by  cicatrization.  The  wound  should  be 
dressed  with  the  zinc,  lead,  acid  lotion.  Various  kinds  of 
growths  occur  in  connection  with  the  penis.  They  should  be 
removed  and  the  parts  touched  with  a  pencil  of  nitrate  of  silver. 


302  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

EXCORIATION  OF  THE  PENIS 

May  occur,  and  is  generally  due,  to  direct  injury,  siich  as  may 
result  from  a  large  horse  covering  a  small  mare,  esj)ecially  a 
mare  that  lias  never  been  served  before.  It  may  be  caused  by 
putting  the  horse  to  the  mare  too  soon  after  foaling,  the  usual 
discharge  after  foaling  causing  excoriation. 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  serve  no  mares  until  recov- 
ery. The  penis  should  be  dressed  with  a  lotion  of  tincture  of 
opium  and  zinc  sul)ihate — two  ounces  of  opium,  one  ounce  of 
zinc,  to  a  quart  of  water. 

URETHRITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  urethra  is  caused  in  a  number  of  ways, 
as  the  presence  of  calculus,  exposure  to  cold,  injury. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  shows  i')ain  when  urinating,  and  does 
not  retract  the  penis  for  some  time  after  act  is  completed.  If 
examined,  the  urethra  will  be  found  to  be  reddened  and  irritable. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  The  urethra 
should  be  injected  with  zinc  sulphate,  four  drachms;  water,  one 
pint.     The  injection  should  be  made  twice  a  day  with  a  syringe. 

Ulceration  of  the  urethra  may  occur  by  an  injury  inflicted, 
sometimes  causing  a  fistula.  The  parts  should  be  kept  clean,  the 
edges  of  the  opening  should  be  scarified,  brought  together  by 
means  of  sutures,  and  some  of  the  other  lotions  previously 
mentioned  for  healing  applied.  If  the  wound  is  indolent  it 
should  be  touched  occasionally  with  the  nitrate  of  silver. 

VARIOLA. 

This  disease  may  occur  in  connection  with  the  penis,  and  may 
be  transmitted  during  coition  from  one  animal  to  another.  The 
animal  should  not  be  allowed  to  copulate  when  suft'ering  from 
any  irritation  in  connection  with  the  generative  system.  Coition 
will  retard  the  healing  process. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  MALE   OKGANS  OF   GENERATION.  303 


MALADIE  DU  COIT. 

We  have  in  the  lower  animals  a  disease  called  Maladie  dii  Coit. 
It  occurs  l)oth  in  the  malignant  and  non-malignant  forms.  The 
disease  results  from  the  act  of  copulation,  and  is  similar  to  syphi- 
lis in  man.  It  is  a  contagious  disease.  The  symptoms  of  the 
disease  in  the  benign  form  are  similar  to  those  presented  at  the 
period  of  oestrum.  They  appear  in  a  few  days  after  copulation. 
The  mare  strikes  the  ground  with  the  hind  feet,  whisks  the  tail, 
and  urinates  frequently  in  small  quantities.  A  discharge  takes 
place,  and  is  soon  followed  by  ulcers.  A  peculiar  feature  in  the 
disease  is  that  the  symptoms  are  not  presented  in  the  horse  for 
months,  and  are  then  only  shown  by  an  odematous  engorgement 
of  the  sheath.  In  the  malignant  form  the  symptoms  in  the  mare 
are  the  same  as  those  of  the  benign  form,  only  are  more  severe. 
Those  of  the  horse  are  similar  also.  The  disease  was  first  seen 
in  Russia  in  1796;  since  then  it  has  found  its  way  into  Africa, 
America,  Egypt,  and  the  majority  of  the  European  countries. 

Teeatment. — Turpentine  is  recommended  to  be  given  every 
other  morning  in  a  drench.  Arsenic  and  iron  are  recommended 
very  highly.  Locally,  astringents  are  to  be  used.  The  carbolic 
acid  lotion  may  be  used — sulphate  of  zinc,  one  ounce;  water,  one 
pint. 

CASTRATION. 

The  colt  should  be  castrated  as  soon  as  the  testicle  can  be 
easily  reached.  It  may  be  performed  at  any  ];)eriod  of  life,  but- 
is  attended  with  less  danger  in  young  than  in  older  animals.  A 
period  lietween  twelve  months  and  two  years  of  age  is  generally 
l^referred.  I  have  operated  on  colts  from  two  weeks  up,  and  my 
experience  has  been  that  the  earlier  in  life  it  is  performed  the 
better.  It  is  less  painful  to  the  animal  when  young,  but  more 
troublesome  to  the  operator,  the  testicle  being  harder  to  get 
hold  of. 


304  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 


SEASON. 

"When  possible  to  choose  the  season  most  favorable  for  the 
operation,  the  spring  and  fall  should  have  preference.  Yet  I 
have  castrated  every  month  in  the  year,  and  operated  on  old  stal- 
lions in  the  month  of  August  after  finishing  the  season  in  the 
stud,  with  seemingly  as  good  results  as  in  the  spring  and  fall. 
The  origling  should  have  the  preference  of  the  season.  The 
months  of  May  and  June  and  October  and  November  should  be 
set  aside  for  this  work. 

RESTRAINT. 

There  are  two  modes  of  restraint  in  securing  the  animal  during 
the  manipulation  and  removal  of  the  testicle.  The  first  mode  is 
by  keej:»ing  the  animal  quiet  by  means  of  a  twich,  and  allowing 
him  to  remain  in  the  standing  posture  while  operating.  The 
second  mode  is  by  throwing,  with  the  ordinary  side  line,  and 
drawing  one  foot  up  and  tying.  The  method  of  throwing  is  the 
safest  for  all  parties  engaged.  The  horses  injured  by  throwing 
are  few.  I  have  castrated  over  four  thousand  straight  colts  and 
old  horses  without  a  single  accident  or  death  resulting  from  the 
operation.  Should  hernia  be  present  after  castration,  or  follow 
the  operation  while  in  the  standing  posture,  death  of  the  animal 
would  likely  result.  The  manipulation  for  hernia  cannot  be 
properly  made  while  standing. 

SIDELINES  AND  HOBBLING. 

Casting. — There  are  two  methods  in  ordinary. use — one  by 
side  lines  and  one  by  hobbles.  Casting  by  side  lines  is  the 
method  chiefly  employed  for  young  animals,  and  in  cases  where 
the  animal  does  not  need  to  be  closely  confined.  It  is  done  by 
means  of  an  inch  rope  fifty  feet  long,  doubled,  and  the  doubled 
end  tied  in  a  firm  knot,  having  a  loop  about  two  feet  in  length. 
Prepare  a  bed  of  straw,  and  apply  a  twich  to  the  horse's  nose. 
Fasten  a  small  rope  or  surcingle  around  his  chest,  as  seen  in 


DISEASES  OF  THE   MALE   ORGANS  OF   GENERATION.  305 

Figure  TO.  The  loop  in  the  side  line  is  passed  over  the  animal's 
head,  on  to  the  neck,  like  a  collar  with  the  knot  undermost.  The 
two  ends  of  the  rope  should  be  then  taken  up  by  the  operator 
and  his  assistant,  and  both  at  the  same  time  should  pass  the  ends 
of  the  rope  back  through  the  forelegs.  One  end  is  taken  to  the 
outside  of  the  near  hind  leg,  below  the  hock,  passed  around  to 
the  inside  under  itself,  and  up  to  the  neck  loop  and  passed 
through  it.  The  other  is  taken  to  the  outside  of  the  off  hind  leg, 
passed  round  to  the  inside  under  itself,  and  up  to  the  neck  loop 


Fig.  79 — Casting  with  Sidelines. 

and  passed  through.  Two  op  thi-ee  men  then  lay  hold  of  the  free 
end  of  the  near  rope  and  stand  by  the  near  quarter  of  the  ani- 
mal. Other  two  or  three  men  lay  hold  of  the  off  rope,  and  stand 
in  front.  The  twitch  may  now  be  removed,  and  the  man  stand- 
ing at  the  side  free  from  the  ropes  grasp  the  bridle,  pull  him  to 
the  ground  as  all  the  men  quickly  pull  the  ropes,  and  drop  him 
on  his  hind  quarters.  The  animal  being  down,  both  legs  should 
be  drawn  up  near  the  neck.  The  rope  is  to  be  fastened  around 
the  fetlock  and  a  hitch  drawn  over  the  foot  on  to  the  fetlock, 
and  pulled  tight.  The  fore  foot  may  then  be  included  in  the 
tie,  and  a  similar  process  gone  through  with  on  the  legs  of  the 
opposite  side. 
20 


306 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISEE. 


Hobbles. — Hobbles  are  obtained  like  those  shown  in  Fig.  80. 
They  are  simply  four  leather  straps  with  buckles.  Three  of  them 
have  an  iron  link  at  either  end.  The  fourth  one,  the  main  hob- 
ble, has,  in  addition  to  the  link,  a  socket  for  a  screw  bolt  called 
the  key,  with  which  to  secure  the  chain.  A  chain  about  ten  feet 
long,  capable  of  passing  easily  through  the  links,  should  be  ob- 
tained. Its  first  sixteen  links  should  be  sufficiently  large  to 
allow  the  insertion  of  the  key,  and  on  its  first  link  having  at- 


Fig.  80 — Casting  with  Hobbles. 

tached  a  screwed  socket  fitted  to  the  space.  To  the  other  end  of 
the  chain  is  attached  a  strong  rope  about  ten  feet  long.  The 
animal  is  to  be  led  on  the  bed  prepared  and  twiched.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  to  be  cast  on  the  off  side,  a  rope  should  be  looped  around 
the  near  fore  arm  and  passed  to  the  off  side  to  be  held  by  an 
assistant.  The  main  hobble  is  applied  to  the  near  fore  pastern, 
and  the  other  straps  to  the  other  pasterns.  Care  should  be  taken 
that  the  buckles  are  to  the  outside,  the  points  of  the  straps  of 
the  fore  buckles  pointing  backwards,  and  the  points  of  the  straps 
of  the  hind  ones  pointing  forward.     The  assistant  at  the  main 


DISEASES   OF  THE   MALE   ORGANS  OF   GENERATION.  307 

hobble  passes  through  its  projecting  link  the  end  of  the  chain, 
which  is  then  passed  from  the  inside  through  the  link  of  the  off 
fore  hobble,  and  from  the  outside  through  the  link  of  the  off 
hind  hobble,  and  from  the  inside  through  the  link  of  the  near 
hind  hobble,  and  up  again  to  the  main  hobble,  and  screwed 
end  secured  in  the  space  by  the  key.  One  or  two  men  lay  hold 
of  the  rope  across  his  back,  and  three  or  four  men  lay  hold  of  the 
free  end  of  the  rope  and  chain,  and  at  a  given  signal  all  pull. 
The  animal's  fore  legs  are  thus  drawn  together  and  he  is  pulled 
over  by  the  men  holding  to  the  rope  that  crosses  his  back.  The 
chain  is  drawn  as  tight  as  possible,  and  the  key  into  the  last  link 
of  the  chain  passed  through  the  link  of  the  main  hobble,  and 
then  screwed  up  to  prevent  it  slipping.  It  is  unloosed  by  simply 
unscrewing  the  key  and  removal  of  the  straps. 

ANATOMY. 

It  is  necessary  that  the  operator  understand  the  anatomy  of 
the  parts.  As  such  cannot  be  given  in  this  work,  the  reader 
must  gain  the  knowledge  by  works  on  anatomy.  The  principal 
parts  met  with,  however,  will  be  pointed  out. 

The  testicular  envelopes,  passing  from  without  inward,  are 
represented  by  the  scrotum,  the  dartos,  the  cellular  coat,  the 
tunica  erythrodia,  formed  by  the  cremaster,  and  the  fibrous  and 
serous  or  vaginal  sac.  The  scrotum  is  a  continuation  of  the 
skin,  and  forms  a  complete  bag,  common  to  both  testicles,  which 
it  contains  and  covers.  It  is  divided  into  two  lateral  halves  by 
a  raphe  or  median  line.  It  easily  contracts  to  its  shrunken  con- 
dition, and  may  be  closely  drawn  ii])  into  the  inguinal  canal. 

The  second  envelope,  the  dartos,  is  a  ))rohTngation  of  the 
tunica  abdominalis,  and  is  a  yellow,  fibrous  structure,  forming 
two  distinct  sacs  resting  upon  each  other,  and  lying  on  the  in- 
side of  the  scrotum,  to  which  it  is  intimately  adherent. 

The  next  envelope  is  represented  by  the  tunica  erythrodia, 
which  is  the  cremaster  muscle,  and  from  the  lumbar  region  ex- 
tends itself  downwards  into  the  inguinal  canal,  along  the  outside 


308  THE    STOCK    OWXEk's    ADVISER. 

of  the  cord,  and  terminates  toM'ards  the  superior  part  of  the 
testicles  in  fibers  extending  only  over  its  external  surface.  This 
muscle  rests  on  the  fibrous  coat,  another  envelope,  of  the  testicle 
and  cord.  This  muscle  sometimes  gives  the  operator  some 
trouble  in  young  colts,  as  it  has  the  power  of  retracting  and 
carrying  the  testicle  into  the  depth  of  the  groin. 

The  fibrous  testicular  envelope,  just  referred  to,  giving  attach- 
ment to  the  cremaster,  is  a  thin  membranous  bag,  elongated  like 
the  neck  of  a  bottle  around  the  spermatic  cord  which  it  en- 
velops, and  dilated  below,  in  order  to  enclose  the  testicle. 
Adhering  to  this  coat  internally  is  the  serous  coat.  This  last 
membrane  is  a  duplicate  of  the  peritoneum. 

The  testicles  are  suspended  at  the  end  of  the  spermatic  cord, 
and  surmounted  upon  their  superior  border  by  the  epididymis, 
the  first  part  of  the  deferent  canal,  which  is  folded  upon  itself. 
This  conveys  the  products  of  the  secretion  of  the  testicle  into  the 
vesiculsB  seminales,  lodged  in  the  pelvic  cavity.  The  spermatic 
cord  is  formed  by  the  spermatic  artery,  the  deferent  canal,  and 
the  circumvolutions  of  the  small  testicular  artery.' 

METHODS. 

The  methods  have  been  numerous.  I  shall  simply  refer  to  the 
older  and  dwell  more  largely  on  the  more  recent  ones. 

SIMPLE  EXCISION. 

This  is  one  of  the  oldest  modes  of  operation,  and  though  to  a 
great  extent  discarded,  still  finds  its  application  in  the  smaller 
animals. 

SCRAPING. 

This  operation  is  said  to  have  originated  in  India.  It  is  but  a 
modification  of  the  preceding  method,  the  only  difference  being 
the  use  of  a  dull  knife  instead  of  a  sharp  one  to  separate  the 
coats  of  the  artery. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  MALE   ORGANS  OF   GENERATION.  309 

TEARING  AND  TORSION. 

These  two  methods  are  similar.  In  tearing,  the  cord  was  sub- 
jected to  a  certain  amount  of  torsion  by  the  hand,  and  then  torn 
apart  at  a  given  point  in  its  length,  while  in  simple  torsion  we 
divide  the  cord  by  twisting  it  with  instruments. 

FREE  TORSION. 

This  is  where  the  band  alone  is  employed  in  the  operation. 

LIMITED   TORSION. 

Limited  torsion  is  the  operation  by  which  the  division  of  the 
spermatic  cord  is  effected  by  torsion  made  upon  a  given  point, 
and  limited  by  special  instruments.  Operation  by  the  instru- 
ments was  first  introduced  in  1883  by  two  French  veterinarians. 

LINEAR  CRUSHING. 

The  ecraseur  was  brought  into  use  by  Mr.  H.  Bouley  in  the 
year  1857.  It  is  the  best  method  of  operation  known,  and  is 
more  surgical  than  any  other  methods.  The  function  of  the 
instrument  is  to  effect  the  division  of  living  parts  without  hemor- 
rhage. The  original  ecraseur  has  received  many  improvements. 
The  essential  design  is  to  produce  a  general  constriction  of  the 
blood  vessels,  by  which,  their  internal  and  middle  coats  being 
first  divided,  they  may  contract  within  the  cavity  of  the  vessel 
in  sucli  a  manner  as  to  close  their  cavity  and  form  a  sort  of 
stopper  to  the  artery. 

The  operation  is  comparatively  a  very  simple  one.  Take  a 
firm  hold  of  the  testicle  with  the  left  hand,  if  the  operator  be 
right-handed,  and  with  a  bold  stroke  make  an  incision  through 
tlio  coverings  of  the  testicle.  The  testicle  being  exposed,  the 
chain  of  the  instrument  is  to  be  placed  around  the  cord,  well  up; 
the  contraction  of  the  chain,  as  it  divides  the  tissues,  should  be 
slow.  Several  seconds  should  elapse  between  each  rotation  of 
the  wheel.  This  divides  the  tissues  in  a  proper  manner.  The 
animal  is  then  set  at  liberty. 


310  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


FIRING. 

This  mode  of  castration  consists  in  applying  to  the  cut  end  of 
the  testicular  cord  an  iron  heated  to  a  white  heat,  the  actual 
cautery.  This  is  one  of  the  oldest  methods  of  operating,  and  is 
a  good  one.  The  cord  may  be  severed  with  the  hot  iron.  A 
clamp  is  placed  on  the  artery  just  above  where  it  is  to  be 
burnt  o£f. 

THE  METHOD  BY  THE  CLAMPS. 

This  is  an  ancient  mode  of  operating,  having  been  transmitted 
to  us  through  many  ages.  I  think  this  a  good  method  of  castra- 
tion when  hernia  is  present;  but  for  ordinary  castration,  it  has 
its  objections.  The  removal  of  the  clamps  after  the  operation 
is  a  source  of  trouble,  and  besides  it  frequently  is  accompanied 
with  hemorrhage.  There  is  a  possibility  of  the  animal  running 
into  brush  and  tearing  off  the  clamps.  And  then  the  weight  of 
the  clamps  often  causes  champignon,  a  condition  which  I  have 
never  seen  follow  an  o^^eration  with  the  ecraseur,  or  by  ligature. 
The  method  of  operation  has  been  described  in  tbe  chapter  on 
hernia. 

THE  LIGATURE. 

This  method  of  castration  consists  in  the  application  of  a  cir- 
cular ligature  upon  the  entire  cord,  or  a  portion  of  it,  for  the 
purpose  of  completely  closing  it  and  the  various  parts  entering 
into  its  formation.  This  method  was  practiced  as  far  back  as 
1734.  The  operation  has  several  varieties — that  of  the  cord  with 
its  envelopes;  that  of  the  cord  only,  either  by  the  covered  or 
uncovered  method;  that  of  the  spermatic  artery  alone;  that  of 
the  efferent  canal,  and  that  by  the  subcutaneous  process.  Among 
all  methods  of  castration  by  ligature,  none  of  them  has  been  sub- 
jected to  sufficient  practical  test  such  as  would  justify  a  strong 
recommendation  or  unqualified  approval. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  MALE   ORGANS  OF  GENERATION.  311 

CRUSHINa  OF  THE  TESTICULAR  CORD. 

This  consists  of  crusliing  the  spermatic  cord  with  a  hammer; 
the  vessel  continuing,  meanwhile,  to  be  covered  with  its  enve- 
lopes. It  was  first  used  in  the  year  1826,  and  is  most  commonly 
practiced  in  some  French  districts. 

DOUBLE  SUBCUTANEOUS  TORSION. 

This  method  is  practiced  in  the  southern  part  of  France.  The 
position  of  the  testicle  is  so  changed  that  its  lower  extremity  is 
made  to  take  the  place  of  the  npper,  the  cord  is  subject  to  a  cer- 
tain degree  of  tortion,  and  then  the  testicle  is  restored  to  its 
normal  position,  to  undergo  a  process  of  atrophy  which  destroys 
its  power  of  secretion  by  physiological  action.  The  operation  is 
much  easier  performed  in  ruminants  than  in  solipeds. 

CASTRATION  OF  CHRIPTORCHIDES. 

The  abnormal  development  of  animals  in  which  the  testicles 
have  failed  to  make  their  appearance  by  descending  through  the 
inguinal  canal  into  the  bags,  is  quite  commonly  met  with  in 
horses,  the  animal  being  then  known  as  a  ridgling,  or  original. 
The  testicle  may  be  found  in  the  inguinal  canal,  or  onl}^  remain- 
ing close  to  its  superior  opening,  or  floating  in  the  abdominal 
cavity. 

MODE  OF  OPERATION. 

I  will  here  give  my  method  of  operating,  as  it  may  be  of  in- 
terest to  the  reader.  This  operation  requires  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  anatomy  of  the  parts,  which  can  only  be  obtained  by 
dissection.  No  one  should  attempt  the  operation  unless  thor- 
oughly familiar  with  the  parts. 

The  animal  should  be  cast  with  the  side  linej  and  bi)lh  hind 
feet  tied  to  the  fore  ones.  Place  the  animal  on  his  back,  make  an 
incision  about  six  inches  long  in  the  scrotum  where  the  testicle 
is  normally  situated.    Then  divide  the  second  layer  of  the  cover- 


312  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

ings  of  the  testicle,  the  dartos.  Care  should  be  taken  in  doing 
this  to  avoid  the  large  venous  branches  which  abound  in  the 
region.  If  these  veins  be  cut  the  blood  will  interfere  with  the 
operation.  K^ext  tear  the  loose  cellular  tissue,  that  lies  imme- 
diately under  the  dartos,  with  the  fingers  until  the  ring  is  felt. 
ISTow  introduce  the  hand  into  the  inguinal  canal,  and  separate  it 
as  much  as  possible  by  passing  the  finger  around  the  external 
surface.  The  oj)ening  is  made  lengthwise  and  of  sufficient  width 
to  allow  of  the  passage  of  the  testicle.  When  situated  high  up  in 
the  ring,  it  is  frequently  difficult  to  grasp  it  and  keep  it  suffi- 
ciently steady  in  position  to  permit  the  free  use  of  the  bistoury. 
The  testicle  should  be  gently  drawn  out  and  removed  with  the 
ecraseur.  If  the  testicle  is  found  to  be  in  the  abdominal  cavity 
the  surgeon  should  introduce  his  hand,  with  the  fingers  united 
in  the  form  of  a  cone,  into  the  external  inguinal  ring,  and  care- 
fully force  them  upward  towards  the  external  angle  of  the  ilium, 
resting  them  upon  the  crural  arch.  He  soon  reaches  the  closed 
superior  inguinal  ring,  feeling  only  the  peritoneal  membrane, 
where  it  is  readily  torn.  The  opening  here  generally  must  be 
large  enough  to  permit  the  passage  of  the  entire  hand.  Usually 
the  testicle,  epididymus,  vas  defferens,  or  the  blood  vessels  are 
found  floating  near  the  torn  opening  in  the  peritoneum.  If  it 
cannot  be  felt  near  the  opening,  the  hand  must  be  carried  above 
the  neck  of  the  bladder,  towards  the  end  of  the  deferent  canal, 
which  must  be  followed  until  the  epididymus  or  the  testicle  is 
found.  When  found  it  must  be  carefully  brought  outwards  by 
a  slow  and  steady  traction  upon  the  testicle  itself.  The  testicle 
should  be  removed  by  the  use  of  the  ecraseur,  or  by  ligature. 
The  wound,  externally,  should  be  closed  by  at  least  a  half  dozen 
interrupted  sutures  in  order  to  guard  against  hernia.  I  have 
had  a  case  of  hernia  resulting  from  the  abdominal  operation, 
caused  by  the  horse  rolling  after  the  operation  and  getting  his 
feet  fast  under  the  manger,  breaking  the  sutures.  This  seldom 
happens,  but  a  sufficient  nnmlier  of  sutures  should  be  used  in 
order  to  avoid  the  possibility  of  the  bowels  escaping  and  being 


DISEASES   OF  THE  MALE   OKGANS  OF   GENERATION.  313 

trampled  when  hernia  does  take  place.  In  concluding  this  sub- 
ject, I  must  say  that  the  method  of  castration  Avith  the  ecraseur 
has  every  advantage,  with  none  of  the  disadvantages,  of  the  other 
methods  of  operating,  and  before  many  years  it  will  be  practiced 
almost  to  the  exclusion  of  other  ways. 

The  maseulator  is  the  latest  instrument  for  castration.  It  w^as 
introduced  several  years  ago,  and  is  on  the  order  of  a  pair  of 
scissors.  It  acts  on  the  same  principal  as  the  ecraseur,  but  is  a 
quicker  metliod.  In  any  method  of  castration,  the  operator 
should  thoroughly  wash  the  sheath  before  the  horse  is  allowed 
to  get  up. 

ATTENTION  OF  THE  CASTRATED  HORSE. 

The  wound  simply  requires  to  be  kept  clean.  The  closing  of 
the  edges  of  the  wound  is  to  be  carefully  prevented  by  the  intro- 
duction of  the  finger  between  them.  If  they  close  too  soon,  a 
swelling  will  take  place  about  the  third  or  fourth  day,  and  the 
animal  will  walk  stiff.  All  old  horses  should  be  worked  in  about 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  operation  and  kept  at  light,  easy 
work.  If  this  be  done,  the  danger  of  losing  an  old  horse  is  no 
greater  than  with  a  colt. 

RESULTS  OF  CASTRATION. 

A  restless  disposition  is  shown  on  the  part  of  old  horses,  who 
may  paw  and  show  signs  of  restlessness.  These  symptoms  sub- 
side by  simply  exercising  the  horse. 

Tearing  the  Clamps. — This  results  from  the  tail  getting 
fast  in  the  clamps,  or  the  colt  running  through  brush  and  tear- 
ing them  off.  The  result  of  this  is  the  appearance  of  a  hemor- 
rhage from  the  spermatic  artery,  which  can  only  be  controlled  by 
a  reapplication  of  the  clamps,  or  by  other  means  which  will  be 
considered  later. 

HEMORRHAGE. 

Hemorrhage  nuiy  take  place,  as  stated  before,  by  tearing  off 
the  clamps  or  from  other  causes. 


314  THE     STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — AVlien  caused  by  tearing  olf  the  clamps  or  at 
the  time  of  their  removal,  it  may  be  checked  by  the  reapplica- 
tion  of  the  clamjD.  But  if  the  cord  be  retracted  into  the  inguinal 
canal  and  cannot  be  reached,  the  checking  of  the  flow  must  be 
tried  by  the  application  of  oold  water.  The  hose  should  be  turned 
on  the  parts,  or  an  iced  sponge  should  be  used.  In  other  cases 
it  may  be  necessary  to  pack  the  cavity  with  balls  of  oakum  dip- 
ped in  a  solution  of  the  perchloride  of  iron,  the  whole  being  kept 
in  place  by  a  suspensory  bandage.  If  this  fail,  the  animal  must 
be  cast  and  the  artery  ligatured. 

SWELLING  OF  SCROTAL  REGION. 

The  treatment  of  this  condition  we  have  referred  to  before. 
It  must  be  remembered  that  some  swelling  is  only  normal.  But 
when  the  swelling  is  severe  the  parts  are  to  be  bathed  with  warm 
water  and  scarified. 

GANGRENE. 

This  is  a  result  that  may  follow  any  operation.  It  may  be 
looked  for  from  the  fourth  to  the  eighth  day.  The  wound  will 
be  cold,  insensible,  with  a  crepitating  feeling,  and  will  give  off 
an  offensive  odor;  in  the  place  of  healthy  pus  there  will  be  a 
sanious,  bloody,  and  offensive  discharge.  The  animal  becomes 
thirsty,  with  loss  of  appetite,  fetid  mouth,  mucous  membrane  of 
a  livid  hue,  weakened  pulse,  and  increased  respiration  and  tem- 
perature. 

Treatment. — liemove  all  the  mortified  parts  at  once,  to  pre- 
vent absorption  of  gangrenous  matter.  A  blister  should  be  used 
over  the  swelling.  The  parts  must  be  subjected  to  the  actual 
cautery  at  white  heat.  Disinfecting  agents  should  be  used  such 
as  the  zinc,  lead  and  acid  lotion.  Iodoform  should  be  dusted  into 
the  wound.  Solution  of  bichloride  of  mercury  should  be  used 
in  proportions  of  one  drachm  of  mercury  to  a  pint  of  water.  The 
permanganate  of  potash  may  be  used  in  a  five  per  cent  solution. 
Stimulants  as  ammonia  should  be  used  internally  in  ounce  doses 
every  four  hours. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  MALE   ORGANS  OF   GENERATION.  315 

ABSCESS. 

These  form  from  too  rapid  closure  of  the  wound.  They  may 
be  prevented  by  carefully  introducing  the  finger  in  the  wound. 
If  they  have  formed,  a  free  incision  should  be  made  into  the 
cavity  and  the  abscess  attended  to. 

CHAMPIGNON. 

This  consists  of  an  indurated  condition  of  the  end  of  the  cord, 
of  a  tumefied  character,  varying  in  size  and  extent  and  slow  in 
growth.  It  may  extend  as  far  up  as  the  upper  inguinal  opening, 
or  beyond  it.  It  is  in  some  cases  as  large  as  a  man's  fist,  and 
sometimes  occurs  on  both  sides. 

It  often  follows  the  operation  by  clamps.  I  have  never  seen 
it  follow  the  operation  by  ecraseur.  When  called  to  operate  on 
a  champignon,  I  have  always  found,  on  gaining  a  history  of  the 
case,  that  the  animal  was  castrated  by  the  clamp  method.  I 
think  it  is  due  to  the  weight  of  the  clamps  pulling  on  the  cord, 
or  from  pulling  while  removing  them.  In  more  than  three  thou- 
sand horses  that  I  have  castrated  with  the  ecraseur  I  have  never 
known  of  a  case  of  champignon  following;  nor  have  I  ever  been 
called  upon  to  remove  a  champignon  where  I  could  trace  it  to 
the  use  of  the  ecraseur. 

Symptoms. — It  develops  itself  at  the  cut  extremity  of  the  cord 
as  a  granulating  mass,  or  a  red  color  varying  in  size,  its  growth 
allowing  the  cicatrization  of  the  skin  to  progress  in  such  a  man- 
ner that  it  forms  a  point  of  attachment  from  which  the  tumor 
seems  to  proceed.  There  may  be  swelling  of  the  parts,  and  the 
animal  travels  stiff  in  the  hind  legs.  Fistulous  tracks  may  be 
seen  on  the  surface  of  the  scrotum.  If  the  parts  be  examined 
the  tumor  can  be  easily  felt.  The  tumor  may  extend  as  high  up 
as  the  sublumbar  region;  in  such  cases  the  exact  nature  of  the 
growth  can  only  be  ascertained  by  an  examination  per  rectum. 

Treatment. — The  best  method  of  removing  the  tumor  is  by 
the  use  of  the  ecraseur.    An  incision  is  to  be  made  parallel  with 


CI 6  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

the  median  line,  when  the  tumor  and  the  cord  are  carefully  dis- 
sected and  separated  from  their  attachment.  AVhen  it  extends 
far  up,  the  attachments  may  be  displaced  with  the  fingers.  The 
chain  is  to  be  jilaced  on  the  cord  above  the  base  of  the  tumor, 
and  amputation  is  completed  by  slow  pressiu'e  upon  the  cord.  The 
operation  being  finished,  the  parts  are  left  in  the  condition  of  a 
simple  wound.  A  ligature  may  be  used,  and  so  long  as  the  upper 
portion  of  the  cord,  which  retains  its  healthy  structure,  can  be 
reached,  the  application  of  the  ligature  is  not  attended  with  much 
difficulty. 

HERNIA  FOLLOWING  CASTRATION. 

This  subject  has  been  dealt  with  in  the  preceding  pages  of  this 
work. 

PERITONITIS. 

This  is  the  most  frequent  and  most  serious  complication.  It 
generally  results  from  exposure  to  cold,  but  it  may  be  seen  where 
all  care  has  been  taken.  It  manifests  itself  between  the  second 
and  third  day  after  an  operation. 

Sympto:ms. — The  animal  is  dull  and  refuses  all  food;  the  sup- 
puration of  the  wound  ceases;  the  bags  and  surrounding  parts 
become  the  seat  of  a  warm,  hard,  and  painful  swelling.  The 
animal  stands  with  his  four  legs  brought  close  together,  the  back 
is  stiff  and  arched,  the  ffanks  are  corded,  the  abdomen  painful, 
the  pulse  hard,  small,  and  increased.  There  are  slight,  colicky 
pains;  the  symptoms  increase  and  the  animal  dies  about  the  sixth 
day.     For  treatment,  see  Peritonitis. 

TETANUS. 

Tetanus  may  follow  the  operation  of  castration,  and  generally 
proves  fatal.  It  may  occur  irrespective  of  the  method  employed, 
or  condition  of  the  animal  at  the  time  of  operating;  hence  the 
surgeon  performing  the  operation  should  not  be  blamed.  The 
disease  usually  appears  about  the  ninth  day,  or  when  the  wound 
begins  to  heal.    For  symptoms  and  treatment,  see  Tetanus. 


DISEASES   OF  THE  MALE   ORGANS   OF   GENERATION.  317 


AMAUROSIS. 

This  is  a  sequel  of  castration,  having  been  known  to  follow 
cases  where  hemorrhage  from  the  small  testicular  artery  had 
occurred.    The  condition  is  incurable. 

The  reader  shoukl  not  come  to  the  conclusion,  after  reading  the 
various  results  of  the  operation,  that  it  is  a  serious  one.  It  is  a 
very  trivial  one.  Out  of  thirty-three  hundred  operations  with 
the  testicles  in  the  scrotum,  castrated  at  all  seasons  of  the  year 
and  ail  ages,  I  have  not  had  any  of  the  conditions  enumerated, 
except  swelling  from  the  wound  closing  too  soon. 

CASTRATION  OF  FEMALES. 

Time  of  Operation. — The  best  time  to  perform  the  operation 
upon  cows  is  from  the  sixth  to  the  eighth  year,  or  after  they 
have  had  their  second  or  third  calf.  The  cow  should  not  be  in 
heat  or  pregnant,  and  the  time  selected  should  be  from  forty  to 
sixty  days  after  calving. 

Two  methods  have  been  practiced.  The  original  method  was 
that  of  removal  through  the  flanks,  which,  however,  has  fallen 
into  disuse.  The  Charlier  method  of  removal  through  the  vagina 
is  the  process  altogether  to  be  preferred.  It  is  very  simple,  and 
consists  of  inserting  the  hand  into  the  vagina  until  the  neck  of 
the  uterus  is  reached.  Press  against  the  neck  of  the  uterus  with 
the  hand  in  order  to  stretch  the  walls  of  the  vagina.  Be  sure 
that  it  is  well  stretched;  then  with  a  bistoury  pierce  the  vaginal 
walls  about  two  inches  above  the  neck  of  the  uterus.  The  in- 
cision should  be  three  and  a  half  inches  in  length,  and  made  from 
below  upwards  and  backwards.  Now  pass  the  fingers  through 
the  opening  and  feel  for  the  ovaries,  which  will  be  found  floating 
at  the  extremity  of  their  ligaments,  toward  the  entrance  of  the 
pelvis,  below  on  each  side  and  a  short  distance  from  tlic  incision. 
Grasp  the  ovary  and  draw  it  carefully  into  the  vagina  and  re- 
move it  with  the  ecraseur. 

No  further  treatment  is  required  beyond  careful  dieting.    The 


818  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

operation  is  a  very  simple  one,  and  can  be  done  while  the  animal 
is  standing  in  a  narrow  stall.  There  are  no  complications  fol- 
lowing the  operation. 

CASTRATION  OF  SWINE. 

In  maleSj  the  best  and  most  convenient  method  where  the  ani- 
mal is  large  is  by  use  of  the  ecraseur.  Small  animals  may  be  cas- 
trated by  the  method  of  simple  excision,  with  which  all  are  fa- 
miliar. 

In  females,  the  animal  must  be  prepared  by  securing  upon  the 
right  side  in  order  to  expose  the  left  flank;  the  incision  is  made 
after  the  bristles  have  been  clipped  off  in  a  vertical  position.  The 
left  leg  should  be  carried  backwards,  the  head  inclined  on  a 
plank.  The  incision,  from  two  to  three  inches  in  length,  should 
be  made  with  a  single  stroke  of  the  knife,  without  dividing  the 
peritoneum,  which  should  afterwards  be  torn  with  the  fingers,  or 
lifted  with  the  forceps  and  cut.  To  find  the  ovaries  the  operator 
introduces  the  index  finger  of  the  right  hand  between  the  verte- 
bral column  and  the  intestines  and  explores  the  lumbar  region. 
When  the  ovarian  sac  is  found,  he  presses  it  against  the  abdomi- 
nal wall,  and  causes  it  to  slide  by  pushing  towards  the  opening, 
where  it  is  caught.  In  the  same  way  the  right  ovary  is  brought 
out  and  both  scraped  from  their  attachment  and  the  sac  returned 
to  the  abdomen. 

In  old  animals  both  ovaries  must  not  be  exposed  outside  to- 
gether, but  each  must  be  returned  when  removal  of  the  ovary 
connected  with  it  has  been  effected. 

When  operating,  if  the  animal  is  found  to  be  in  a  state  of 
pregnancy,  the  proceeding  must  be  discontinued,  the  patient 
kept  quiet,  and  the  operation  postponed. 

DOGS. 

The  male  is  operated  on  by  simple  excision,  tortion,  ligature, 
or  ecraseur.  The  females  are  castrated  on  the  side  and  under  the 
abdomen.     The  operation  on  the  side  requires  about  the  same 


DISEASES   OF  THE  MALE   ORGANS  OF  GENEEATION.  319 

manipulation  as  for  sows,  with  the  exception  that  the  incision  is 
made  lower  down,  more  forward,  and  nearer  to  the  last  rib.  The 
objection  to  this  method  is  that  it  is  generally  necessary  to  ope- 
rate on  both  sides.  I  operate  along  the  median  line  under  the 
belly,  and  afterwards  close  the  wound  with  a  sufficient  number 
of  interrupted  sutures.  I  think  this  method  superior  in  all  cases, 
and  the  wound  does  not  look  so  badly. 

The  best  method  of  casting  the  horse  for  removing  the  tes- 
ticles is  by  the  simple  side  lines.  An  inch  rope  fifty  feet  in 
length  is  doubled,  and  the  doubled  end  is  tied  in  a  firm  knot, 
making  a  loop  of  about  two  feet  in  length.  The  horse  is  led  out 
on  a  bed  of  straw  or  grass,  and  a  twitch  applied  on  the  nose.  Put 
a  surcingle  around  the  body.  The  loop  of  the  big  rope  is  now 
placed  over  the  animal's  head  on  the  neck  like  a  collar,  with  the 
knot  undermost.  ISTow  tie  a  small  rope  or  strap  around  the  sur- 
cingle and  rope  around  the  neck,  connecting  the  two  for  the  pur- 
pose of  preventing  the  rope  slipping  over  the  head.  This  should 
be  tied  on  both  sides.  Let  an  assistant  take  one  end  of  the  rope 
and  the  operator  the  other,  and  pass  the  ends  through  between 
the  forelegs.  The  rope  should  be  passed  around  the  outside  of 
the  hind  leg  below  the  hock,  passed  around  between  the  hind 
limbs,  and  brought  out  under  itself  and  carried  up  under  the 
neck  loop  and  passed  through  it.  Two  or  three  men  should  then 
lay  hold  of  the  rope  on  the  left  side  of  the  horse,  if  the  operator 
be  right-handed.  The  operator  and  an  assistant  should  take  hold 
of  the  rope  on  the  right  side  of  the  horse  and  stand  near  the 
quarter  of  the  animal.  Tlie  operator  sliould  give  the  command 
to  pull.  The  animal's  hind  legs  are  thus  drawn  under  him,  and 
he  falls  on  his  quarters;  the  ropes  at  the  same  time  slipping  down 
into  the  hollows  of  the  heels.  If  the  man  at  the  head  be  handy, 
he  will  now  complete  the  act  by  2:)ulling  the  head  to  the  ground 
and  holding  it  there.  The  operator  should  now  pull  the  foot, 
tight  up  on  the  neck.  The  rope  is  then  passed  around  the  fet- 
lock, and  a  hitch  drawn  over  the  fetlock  and  pulled  tight.     This 


320  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

is  all  the  tieing  needed  in  the  castration  of  young  horses.  The 
under  rope  should  be  left  loose,  and  where  the  testicle  is  hard  to 
get  at,  the  foot  in  the  slack  rope  should  be  pushed  back  in  order 
that  the  manipulations  may  be  easier. 

In  strong  horses  and  origlings  all  four  feet  should  be  tied. 


XXV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  FEMALE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION. 

METRITIS.       . 

Metritis,  or  inflammation  of  the  womb,  occurs  in  all  mammalia. 
In  the  mare  it  is  usually  a  result  of  improper  obstetrical  instru- 
ments during  the  act  of  parturition.  It  may  be  caused  by  ex- 
posure to  cold  or  damp  weather  soon  after  foaling.  If  the  whole 
of  the  womb  surface  is  affected,  death  will  probably  be  the  ter- 
mination. 

Symptoms. — First,  an  uneasiness,  which  increases.  Soon  the 
animal  will  lie  down  and  roll.  There  will  be  arching  of  the  back, 
an  increased  temperature  and  pulse  beats.  The  appetite  is  lost, 
bowels  constipated,  and  urine  is  passed  frequently.  Occasionally 
a  reddish  or  brownish  fluid  escapes  from  the  vagina.  The  coun- 
tenance becomes  anxious,  and  sweat  breaks  out  on  the  body. 
Examination  per  rectum  or  through  the  vagina  reveals  increased 
heat  of  the  womb.  Inflammation  of  the  woml)  in  the  virgin  ani- 
mal rarely  or  never  occurs. 

Treatmext. — If  the  pulse  is  strong  and  bounding,  twenty 
drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  should  be  used.  Opium  pulver- 
ized in  drachm  doses  should  be  given  to  allay  pain.  Belladonna 
in  drachm  doses  or  the  hypodermic  injection  of  morphia  may  be 
used  for  the  same  purpose.  Enemas  of  tepid  water  should  be 
freely  used.  Tlie  cavity  of  the  uterus  should  also  be  injected 
with  tepid  water  containing  a  little  tincture  of  opium.  Warm 
fomentations  to  the  abdomen  over  the  region  of  the  womb  are 
beneficial.  If  the  discharge  continues,  the  wond)  .should  be  in- 
jected three  times  a  day  with  one  part  of  carbolic  acid  to  forty 
parts  of  water;  or  a  weak  solution  of  sulphate  of  zinc  may  be 
injected — four  drachms  of  zinc  to  a  pint  of  water. 
21  (  821  ) 


322  THE    STOCK    OWNEk's    ADVISER. 


LEUCORRHEA. 

This  is  a  disease  of  the  nnieoiis  membrane  of  the  uterus,  and  is 
characterized  by  an  outpouring  of  a  viscid  and  milky  discharge. 
It  is  caused  from  some  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of 
the  parts.     It  is  common  in  old  and  debilitated  animals. 

Symptoms. — A  white,  glairy  discharge  from  the  vulva,  run- 
ning down  the  legs.  It  is  generally  noticed  when  the  animal 
starts  off  after  standing  for  some  time.  It  is  seen  in  cattle,  asso- 
ciated with  tuberculosis.  Ovarian  disease  also  gives  rise  to  leu- 
corrhea. 

Treatment. — Give  good  food  and  administer  tonics.  Copaiba 
balsam  and  belladonna  in  drachm  doses  should  be  used  to  arrest 
the  discharge.  Give  twice  a  day.  The  womb  should  be  injected 
with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  one  to  sixteen,  at  first,  and  after- 
wards milder  solution  may  be  used. 

VAGINITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  vagina  may  be  due  to  contagious  influ- 
ences, difficult  parturition,  and  injuries  produced  during  coition 
on  account  of  the  penis  of  the  stallion  being  large. 

Symptoms. — The  mucous  membrane  will  be  found  to  be  hot 
and  painful,  and  soon  a  discharge  is  seen. 

Treatment. — Give  six  drachms  of  aloes,  or  a  quart  of  linseed 
oil,  and  follow  with  aether  nitricei,  ounce  one;  potassium  nitrate, 
drachms  three.  Twenty-drop  doses  of  tincture  of  aconite  may 
be  used.  A  decoction  of  poppy  heads  with  a  small  amount  of 
zinc  sulphate  is  beneficial  as  an  injection.  If  the  discharge  con- 
tinues, iodine  and  iron  in  drachm  doses  of  each  should  be  given 
three  or  four  times  a  day  internally. 

TUMORS. 

Tumors  of  various  kinds  are  occasionally  met  with  in  the 
uterus.     They  occur  in  old  horses;  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  is 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEMALE  ORGANS  OF  GENEKATIOX.  323 

not  worth  while  to  remove  them.     If  the  animal  be  a  valuable 
one,  the  J  may  be  removed  by  the  surgeon. 

HYDROPS  UTERI. 

Dropsy  of  the  uterus  consists  of  an  accumulation  of  fluid 
within  the  cavity  of  the  womb.  I  have  seen  the  cestrual  fluid 
retained  by  the  hymen  in  young  virgins.  The  animal  looks  as 
though  she  was  pregnant,  but  she  finally  reduces,  and  on  examin- 
ing no  fetus  will  be  found  in  the  uterus. 

Treatment. — Draw  off  the  fluid  with  the  catheter.  If  a 
catheter  is  not  at  hand,  a  veterinary  surgeon  should  be  called  in. 
After  withdrawal  of  the  fluid,  the  uterine  cavity  should  be  in- 
jected with  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid — one  part  of  acid  to  twenty 
of  w^ater.  Powd.  gentian,  three  drachms;  powd.  sulphate  of  iron, 
three  drachms;  powd.  nux  vomica,  one  drachm,  should  be  given 
in  the  feed. 

ABSCESS. 

Abscesses  occur  in  connection  with  the  vidva,  being  the  result 
of  injuries.     'I'rcat  as  an  abscess  in  any  other  part. 

VULVA  CLOSURE  OF  THE  LIPS. 

This  is  of  rare  occurrence,  but  may  follow  parturition,  injury 
or  debility. 

Treat]ment. — Separate  the  lips  of  the  vulva  with  the  fingers. 
If  this  is  not  effectual,  the  knife  should  be  used,  and  a  pledget  of 
tow  saturated  with  the  carbolic  acid  lotion  should  be  inserted 
between  the  lips.    It  should  be  replaced  after  a  few  days. 

PROTRUSION  OF  THE  VAGINA. 

This  frequently  occurs  as  a  result  of  parturition,  where  the 
fetus  has  been  dragged  by  force,  constijiation,  injury,  and  de- 
bility. 

Treatment. — If  dirty,  wash  vnih  warm  w^ator  containing  tinc- 
ture of  opium.    The  parts  should  be  gently  forced  back  to  place 


324  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

and  the  hind  quarters  of  the  animal  be  elevated.  It  is  sometimes 
necessary  to  place  sutures  in  the  lips  of  the  vulva  to  keep  the 
vagina  in  position.  Astringent  injections  will  be  found  useful. 
Strong  doses  of  opium  will  relieve  the  straining.  Two-ounce 
doses  should  be  given.  Enemas  to  clear  out  the  rectum  should 
be  given.  Give  light  diet  and  improve  the  condition  by  using 
tonics. 

CLITOEIS. 

This  becomes  diseased  in  various  ways,  and  but  little  can  be 
done  for  it.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  remove  it,  but 
this  should  never  be  done  except  in  cases  of  extreme  necessity. 

OVARIAN  DISEASES. 

We  have  enlargement  of  the  ovaries  and  tumors  of  a  fibrous 
or  encysted  character  in  connection  with  them.  It  occurs  in 
older  cows  and  mares  that  have  been  bred  several  times. 

Symptoms. — The  mare  either  refuses  the  horse  or  allows  her- 
self to  be  covered  a  number  of  times,  but  fails  to  conceive. 
Oestrum  may  be  regular,  but  may  extend  over  a  longer  period 
than  it  should.  There  will  be  irritation  of  the  urino-genital  sys- 
tem and  a  slight  discharge  of  mucus  from  the  vulva.  The  ani- 
mal tires  easily.  Enlargement  of  the  ovaries  may  be  detected  by 
examination  per  rectum.  The  condition  can  only  be  remedied  by 
a  surgical  operation,  removing  the  diseased  ovary. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  OVARIES 

Sometimes  is  seen,  not  accompanied  by  any  well-marked  symp- 
toms, except  the  general  symptoms  of  ovarian  disease. 

Treatment. — The  fluid  should  be  removed  by  puncturing  the 
ovary  and  drawing  off.  Drachm  doses  of  iodide  of  potash  should 
be  given  after  the  fluid  has  been  withdrawn,  and  should  be  con- 
tinued for  six  or  eight  days. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  FEMALE  ORGANS  OF  GENEUATION.  325 

OESTROMANIA. 

A  perpetual  bulling  in  the  cow  is  due  to  some  abnormal  condi- 
tion of  the  ovaries.  They  never  conceive,  and  are  always  ready 
for  tlie  male. 

Treatment. — Two  ounces  of  the  tincture  of  opium  may  allay 
the  symptoms.  Iodide  of  potassium  -and  iron  may  be  tried,  one 
drachm  of  each  twice  a  day;  but  it  is  best  to  remove  the  ovaries. 

NYMPHOMANIA. 

This  condition  is  similar  to  cestromania,  and  is  remedied  in  the 
same  way. 


XXVI. 

FEEDING  THE  SICK. 

I  propose  to  give  here  a  brief  practical  summary  of  the 
methods  of  feeding  sick  animals.  The  proper  feeding  in  acute 
diseases,  accompanied  with  high  fever,  varies  to  some  extent  ac- 
cording to  the  individual  affection,  but  is  subject  to  general  prin- 
ciples which  are  sufficient  practical  guides  for  most  cases.  When 
an  acute  febrile  stage  is  very  severe  and  temporary,  it  is  usually 
associated  with  complete  anorexia,  which  the  nurse  may  obey 
with  safety.  After,  however,  the  first  day  or  two  of  such  an 
attack,  and  when  the  febrile  reaction  is  prolonged,  a  loss  of  appe- 
tite, amounting  even  to  disgust  with  food,  is  no  excuse  for  absti- 
nence. The  amount  of  nourishment  received  by  the  body  is 
measured,  not  by  the  amount  of  food  put  into  the  stomach,  but  by 
the  amount  which  is  assimilated;  and  in  febrile  complaints  an 
effort  must  be  directed  not  to  the  filling  of  the  stomach,  but  to 
obtaining  as  large  an  assimilation  of  food  as  possible,  without 
disturbing  the  alimentary  canal.  Any  symptoms  of  gastric  or 
intestinal  disturbance  should  be  the  signal  for  immediate  lessen- 
ing of  the  food.  Excessive  tympany,  or  an  increased  diarrhoea 
from  over-feeding,  should  not  be  overlooked,  nor  attempt  made 
to  remove  the  symptoms  by  medicine.  Such  practice  is  exceed- 
ingly reprehensible.  In  febrile  diseases  the  feeding  should  be  at 
short  intervals,  with  small  amounts  of  liquid  foods  of  a  nutritious, 
easily  digested  character.  The  feeding  of  sick  animals  has  not 
received  deserved  attention,  and  as  a  result  many  an  animal  has 
been  lost  that  otherwise  could  have  been  saved. 

It  may  be  set  down  as  a  general  rule  that  all  foods  given  in 
protracted  febrile  states  should  be  in  liquid  form.  In  aU  febrile 
cases  alcohol  in  some  form  should  be  given  with  the  food.  Alco- 
holic liquors  in  moderate  amounts  stimulate  the  stomach  and  aid 
digestion  and  absorption,  but  in  large  amounts  interfere  with 
these  processes. 

(  326 ) 


FEEDIAG    THE    SICK.  327 

MILK  FOOD. 

Of  all  liquid  foods,  milk  is  the  best  and  the  most  generally 
applicable  to  the  treatment  of  disease.  Cows'  milk  contains,  in 
roimd  numbers,  87.5  parts  of  water,  3  parts  of  caseine,  0.75  parts 
of  albumen,  3.6  parts  of  fat,  5  parts  sugar,  and  0.07  of  inorganic 
salts.  One  pint  of  milk  contains  in  round  numbers  0.6  ounces  of 
solid  albuminous  substance,  0.6  ounces  of  fat,  and  0.8  ounces  of 
sugar.  AVhen  four  quarts  of  milk  are  taken  in  the  course  of 
twenty-four  hours,  about  five  ounces  of  fat  are  digested.  It  may 
be  necessary  to  skim  the  milk  when  the  amount  of  fat  is  too  great 
for  the  alimentary  canal  to  digest.  Milk  leaves  behind  no  fecal 
matter,  and  its  use,  therefore,  frequently  produces  constipation. 
In  case  of  diarrhoea,  if  the  milk  be  boiled  fifteen  minutes,  it  will 
arrest  the  ailment.  There  are  very  useful,  nutrient,  and  stimu- 
lating foods  prepared  with  alcohol  in  milk  as  follows: 

AVixE  AVhev. — Bring  half  a  pint  of  milk  to  the  boiling  point; 
add  half  a  pint  of  sherry  wine,  and  allow  it  to  stand  in  a  warm 
place  for  five  minutes;  strain  and  sweeten  to  taste.  It  contains 
very  little  nutriment,  but  is  sometimes  tolerated  by  the  stomach, 
which  refuses  other  food. 

Milk  Punch. — Take  half  a  pint  of  milk;  pour  into  it  from  a 
dessertspoonful  to  a  tal)lospoonful  of  brandy,  rum,  or  whiskey, 
according  to  the  need  of  the  patient.  This  preparation  represents 
all  the  nutritive  value  of  milk  and  the  stimulating  effects  of 
liquor.  A  tablespoonful  of  lime  water  should  always  be  added 
to  it  before  putting  in  the  brandy. 

Eggnog. — Eggnog  is  a  rich,  highly  nutritive  liquid,  but  should 
be  used  in  very  small  quantities.  The  yelk  of  one  egg  may  be 
added  to  half  a  pint  of  milk,  aftcnvards  half  an  ounce  to  an 
ounce  of  brandy  and  the  white  then  beaten  in. 

Carbonic  acid  water  added  to  milk  is  a  very  good  food. 

Liquid  meat  foods  are  valuable  in  our  patients,  especially  for 
delicate  dogs.  Liquid  meat  foods  are  either  raw  or  cooked.  Of 
the  raw  foods  meat  juice  is  the  best.  This  is  made  by  selecting 
lean  from  the  round  of  beef,  cutting  it  into  small  pieces,  and 


328  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

pressing  the  juice  in  a  press  of  sufficient  power,  such  as  now  can 
be  purchased  at  any  of  the  large  drugstores.  Liebig's  beef  tea  is 
made  by  adding  seven  ounces  of  water  and  three  or  four  drops 
of  hydrochloric  acid  to  one  and  a  half  pounds  of  lean  beef,  allow- 
ing it  to  stand  one  hour,  pas^^ing  through  a  hair  sieve,  and  wash- 
ing out  the  meat  with  three  ounces  of  water.  This  is  very  weak, 
and  must  be  given  in  large  quantities. 

Meat  juice  is  valuable  where  a  powerful  stimulant  is  desired 
and  the  digestive  forces  weak,  as  in  the  feebleness  and  collapse 
that  follows  distemper  in  dogs. 

In  making  beef  tea  a  round  of  good  beef  should  l)e  selected 
and  cut  in  small  cubes  not  larger  than  a  half  inch  in  diameter. 
It  should  then  be  put  to  soak  for  two  hours  on  the  back  of  the 
range  in  an  earthenware  pipkin,  with  one  pint  of  cold  water,  and 
allow  to  simmer  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  and  finally  to  boil  for 
three  minutes.  After  adding  half  a  tcaspoonful  of  salt  and  a 
little  pepper  the  tea  is  ready  for  use. 

In  making  beef  essence  the  meat  should  be  prepared  as  for 
beef  tea.  It  should  be  put  into  an  earthenware  bottle  and  loosely 
corked.  This  should  be  set  in  a  pot  of  cold  water  and  brought 
very  gradually  to  the  boiling  point.  It  then  should  be  allowed  to 
boil  for  from  twenty  minutes  to  half  an  hour. 

Soups  are  liquid  preparations  which  resemble  beef  tea  and  beef 
essence  in  containing  the  extractives  of  meat,  but  which  differ 
from  these  ])reparations  in  containing  various  nutritive  sub- 
stances. 

To  make  chicken  broth,  take  throe  pounds  of  chicken  well 
cleaned,  cover  with  cold  water,  boil  from  three  to  five  hours 
(until  the  meat  falls  to  pieces),  strain,  cool,  and  skim  off  the  fat. 
To  a  pint  of  this  add  salt  and  pepper  and  two  tablespoonsful  of 
soft  rice,  which  has  been  previously  thoroughly  boiled  in  water; 
bring  the  broth  to  a  boil.  In  preparing  rice,  half  a  ciq^ful  should 
be  boiled  for  thirty  minutes  with  a  tcaspoonful  of  salt  in  a  pint 
of  water.  To  make  mutton  broth,  take  one  pound  of  lean,  juicy 
mutton,  chopped  fine,  and  proceed  as  with  chicken  broth. 


FEEDIKG    THE    SICK.  329 

Liquid  meat  foods  are  more  valuable  for  dog  patients  than  any 
other  class.  During  convalescence,  starchy  foods  may  be  admin- 
istered. In  chronic  patients  they  are  serviceable.  Oatmeal  por- 
ridge may  be  made  by  stirring  two  ounces  (half  a  cup  full)  of 
crushed  oatmeal  into  a  pint  of  milk,  previously  warmed,  and 
afterwards  cooking  twenty  to  thirty  minutes,  adding  salt  to  the 
taste. 

Porridge  and  milk  is  very  beneficial  for  little  dogs  suffering 
from  chronic  eczema  and  similar  diseases  where  dieting  is  neces- 
sary. It  is  good  for  colts  and  convalescent  horses.  All  the 
various  porridges  are  somewhat  similar,  and  all  are  beneficial. 

Peptonized  milk  is  very  beneficial  in  all  patients,  and  is  made 
by  diluting  a  pint  of  milk  with  a  quarter  of  a  jiound  of  water, 
heating  to  about  140°  F.,  adding  two  teaspoonsful  of  liquor  pan- 
creaticus  with  twenty  grains  of  bicarbonate  of  soda,  digesting  in 
a  warm  place  for  an  hour  to  an  hour  and  a  lialf,  and  nsing 
momentarily  to  the  boiling  point;  at  the  temperature  of  6.5°  F. 
the  digestion  will  usually  require  about  three  hours. 

Peptonized  milk  gruel  is  made  by  first  preparing  a  thick  gruel 
with  arrow-root,  oatmeal,  sago  or  other  similar  articles,  adding, 
while  still  hot,  an  equal  quantity  of  milk,  and  subsequently  cool- 
ing to  100  degrees;  for  each  gruel,  put  twenty  grains  of  the 
bicarbonate  of  soda  and  two  tablespoonsful  of  the  liquor  pancrea- 
ticus  or  five  grains  of  pancreatic  extract,  digesting  in  a  warm 
place  for  two  hours,  boiling  the  mixture  momentarily,  and  strain- 
ing. 

Peptonized  ])eef  tea  is  prepared  by  simmering  half  a  pound  of 
minced  beef  for  two  hours  in  a  pint  of  water  containing  twenty 
grains  of  bicarbonate  of  sodium,  allowing  it  to  cool  to  about  100° 
F.,  digesting  at  this  temperature  with  a  tablespoonful  of  liquor 
pancreaticus  or  ten  grains  of  pancreatic  extract  for  three  hours, 
decanting  and  niomontarily  boiliug. 

RECTAL  ALIMENTATION. 
In  paralysis  of  the  throat  or  structure  of  the  oesophagus  and 


330  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

similar  diseases,  feeding  by  the  rectum  becomes  a  matter  of 
utmost  importance. 

The  method  of  preparing-  the  injection  of  nutriment  is  as  fol- 
lows: The  pancreas  of  swine  or  cattle  are  carefully  cleaned  of 
fat  and  50  to  100  grammes  thereof  cut  into  very  small  pieces. 
In  like  manner  150  to  300  grammes  of  beef  are  prepared.  Both 
substances  are  then  put  into  a  dish  with  about  50  to  150  c.  c.  of 
luke-warm  water,  and  stirred  into  a  thick  paste  and  drawn  into 
a  clyster  pipe  with  wide  opening.  In  many  cases  from  25  to  50 
grammes  of  fat  may  be  added  to  the  mixture.  An  hour  before 
using  this  clyster,  one  of  pure  water  should  be  given  to  clean  out 
the  intestines. 

As  the  horse  advances  in  convalescence,  there  is  nothing  that 
he  will  relish  so  much  as  fresh  grass.  As  his  appetite  returns,  he 
should  be  given  green  grass  in  small  quantities.  If  it  be  in  the 
winter  time,  when  grass  cannot  be  procured,  a  tea  made  of  good 
hay  is  very  nourishing,  to  which  a  little  salt  is  added.  He  may 
now  take  a  small  amount  of  boiled  oats,  an  apple  occasionally,  or 
a  bran  mash. 

A  bran  mash  is  made  by  pouring  boiling  water  over  good 
wheat  bran;  sufficient  water  must  be  added  to  wet  the  bran,  then 
cover  the  surface  with  dry  bran  and  allow  to  set  for  several  hours, 
when  it  is  ready  for  use.  This  is  very  beneficial,  as  it  acts  as  a 
mild  laxative  to  the  bowels. 

The  various  foods  herein  recommended  for  the  sick  are  of  the 
greatest  importance  in  treating  diseases  of  the  dog.  The  various 
preparations  of  beef  tea  and  milk,  given  at  small  intervals  and  in 
small  doses,  are  of  great  value.  They  must  not  be  used  too 
freely,  and  the  effects  must  be  watched.  The  stomach  of  the 
dog  in  some  cases  is  very  delicate. 

Delicate  calves  and  all  of  the  small  ruminants  should  receive 
nourishment  during  sickness.  If  this  is  not  done,  their  strength 
is  soon  exhausted;  in  this  way  many  are  lost  that  would  other- 
wise recover. 


XXVII. 

GENERAL  SYMPTOMS  OF  DISEASE. 

In  addition  to  what  has  been  said  regarding  special  symptoms, 
other  and  general  symptoms  will  here  be  given  in  order  to  give 
assistance  in  the  diagnosis  of  disease.  The  general  appearance  of 
the  visible  mucous  membranes  is  of  great  assistance  to  the  veteri- 
narian in  the  diagnosis  of  disease.  The  natural  color  of  the 
Schneiderian  membrane,  conjunctiva,  and  mucous  membrane  of 
the  mouth  is  a  pale  red,  or  carnation.  Any  deviation  from  this 
is  indicative  of  some  disorder.  A  heightened  color  of  the  mem- 
brane is  indicative  of  an  over-excitement  of  the  circulatory  sys- 
tem. 

The  appearance  of  the  mouth  offers  the  greatest  aid  to  diag- 
nosis. If  the  mouth  is  red,  it  indicates  an  irritable  and  con- 
gested state  of  the  digestive  organs  or  forms  of  eczema.  If 
yellow  colored,  with  desquamation  of  its  epithelium,  it  indicates 
Rinderpest.  When  the  gums  and  lips  become  pale,  it  indicates 
the  approach  of  death.  Usually  about  two  hours  before  death 
the  membrane  becomes  pale;  at  intervals  the  normal  redness  par- 
tially returns,  and  finally  the  membrane  is  void  of  all  circulation 
and  color.  Yellowness  of  the  membrane  indicates  disease  of  the 
liver;  a  slate-colored  appearance,  a  condition  of  the  blood  due  to 
the  poison  of  glanders;  rusty  color,  some  form  of  epizootic  dis- 
ease; pink,  or  pink-eye,  e[)izootic  cellnlitis;  lividity,  a  carbonized 
or  non-oxygenated  condition  of  the  blood,  as  in  bronchitis  and 
pulmonary  congestion. 

A  foul  appearance  of  the  tongue,  so  valuable  an  aid  to  diag- 
nosis in  the  dog,  is  rarely  observed  in  the  ox  and  horse.  How- 
ever, in  dyspepsia  a  foul  condition  of  the  membrane  is  seen  in 
the  horse  and  ox.  An  acid  condition  of  the  salivary  secretion 
gives  off  a  sour  and  fetid  smell.  Drsaiess  of  the  mouth  is  indica- 
tive of  inflammatory  disease. 

(  331  ) 


332  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Sympto.ais  Afforded  by  the  Pulse. — The  pulse  is  the  index 
to  the  patient's  feelings.  No  branch  of  medicine  is  so  important 
as  the  stndy  of  the  pnlse,  as  it  indicates  the  treatment  to  be 
adopted.  To  understand  the  pulse  thoroughly  requires  long  and 
diligent  practice,  in  which  the  sense  of  touch  must  be  trained  and 
cultivated.  The  normal  and  abnormal  pulse  must  be  taken  and 
its  variations  noted.  It  is  one  of  the  many  never  ending  studies, 
but  by  long  practice  and  study  we  are  enabled  to  understand  the 
feelings  and  condition  of  the  patient. 

The  pulse  is  the  beating  of  the  arteries,  and  is  usually  taken  at 
the  jaw — the  sub-maxillary  artery,  or  on  the  inner  side  of  the 
arm — the  brachial  artery.  In  the  cow,  whilst  recumbent,  the 
pulse  may  be  very  distinctly  felt  on  the  posterior  part  of  the  fore 
fetlock;  in  the  dog,  it  is  best  felt  at  the  femoral  artery,  on  the 
inner  surface  of  the  thigh.  The  jiulsations  felt  by  the  finger  are 
principally  due  to  the  fact  that  the  artery  expands  during  the 
contraction  of  the  heart,  and  returns  to  its  previous  condition 
during  the  relaxation  of  the  organ.  The  variation  of  the  normal 
pulse  differs  al)out  ten  beats.  The  standard  is  set  at  forty  beats 
per  minute.  The  normal  pulse,  therefore,  would  range  from 
thirty  to  forty.  Cow,  forty  to  fifty;  dog,  eighty  to  one  hundred, 
according  to  size.  The  pulse  of  the  sheep  ranges  from  seventy 
to  eighty. 

"We  speak  oi  a  pulse  as  being  quick  when  the  heart  accom- 
plishes its  contraction  almost  instantaneously;  slow  when  there 
is  a  prolonged  or  slow  contraction  of  the  cardiac  ventricles;  an 
infrequent  pulse,  when  it  is  associated  with  slowness.  An  inter- 
mitting pulse  is  that  in  which  a  pulsation  is  occasionally  omitted. 
The  volume  of  the  pulse  may  be  greater  than  usual,  in -which 
case  it  is  said  to  be  large,  or  it  may  be  less  than  usual  when  it  is 
said  to  be  small.  Tlie  feeble  pulse,  if  associated  with  softness,  the 
artery  yielding  readily  to  the  finger,  indicates  general  or  cardiac 
debility.  The  small  pulse  may  result  in  anaema,  from  congestion 
of  some  important  organs,  as  the  lungs,  or  from  feeble  contrac- 
lion  of  the  heart.    The  hard  pulse — hardness  of  the  pulse — is  the 


GENERAL    SYMPTOMS    OF    DISEASE.  333 

condition  in  which  the  artery  resists  compression;  it  results  from 
contraction  of  the  muscular  coat  of  the  arterial  walls.  Hardness 
of  the  pulse  is  often  associated  with  smallness.  It  is  then  termed 
corded,  wiry,  or  thready.  This  pulse  is  seen  in  the  early  stages 
of  inflammatory  diseases. 

SYMPTOMS    CONNECTED    WITH    THE    RESPIRATORY 
FUNCTIONS. 

The  respiratory  movements  may  be  quickened,  difficult, 
labored,  wheezing,  roaring,  steriorous,  spasmodic,  convulsive, 
irregular,  slow,  thoracic,  or  abdominal. 

Quickened  breathing  may  be  produced  by  any  cause  which 
accelerates  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  as  exercise. 

Difficulty  of  respiration  is  a  prominent  symptom  of  disease, 
and  is  associated  with  all  respiratory  diseases,  as  inflammation  of 
the  lungs,  pleura,  larynx,  and  trachea. 

Stertorous  Breathing — Snoring. — This  breathing  is  a 
symptom  of  brain  disease.  When  the  inspirations  are  delayed 
and  then  performed  with  a  sudden  noise  and  jerking  effort,  with 
diminished  susceptibility  to  outward  impressions,  it  is  a  symptom 
of  the  approach  of  death. 

Abdominal  breathing  is  performed  by  the  animal  holding  the 
ribs  in  a  fixed  position,  owing  to  pain  in  the  chest.  It  is  a  symp- 
tom of  pleurisy  and  other  chest  troubles. 

Thoracic  breathing  is  where  the  abdominal  muscles  are  pre- 
vented from  taking  part  in  the  respiratory  movements,  an  account 
of  abdominal  pain  or  obstruction. 

Irregular  breathing  is  where  there  is  a  want  of  harmony  in  the 
expiratory  and  inspiratory  movements,  as  in  broken  wind. 

COUGH. 

This  renders  some  aid  in  diagnosis.  Coughs  are  known  as  dry, 
moist,  short,  hacking,  violent,  spasmodic,  those  peculiar  to  broken 
wind,  and  roarers. 

The  moist  cough   attends  catarrh,   bronchitis,   and   diseases 


334  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

where  the  secretions  of  the  mucous  follicles  of  the  air  passages  are 
increased. 

The  dry  cough  is  usually  present  during  the  early  stages  of 
catarrhal  affections,  as  in  pleurisy,  etc. 

The  thermometer  is  a  great  aid  to  diagnosis.  The  animal 
body  is  so  constituted  that  neither  heat  nor  cold  will  have  any 
material  influence  on  the  temperature  until  vitality  has  ceased. 

The  temperature  of  the  body  in  the  internal  parts  of  the  horse 
is  from  99  to  102°  F.  In  young  animals  the  temperature  is 
generally  102,  while  in  very  old  animals  it  is  as  low  as  97  or  98°. 
The  surrounding  atmosphere  may  cause  some  variation  in  tem- 
perature. The  method  of  taking  the  temperature  of  the  body  in 
the  lower  animals  is  by  introducing  a  properly  registered  ther- 
mometer into  the  rectum. 

Many  practitioners  use  their  hand  in  the  animal's  mouth  and 
on  the  rectum  to  ascertaiu  the  amount  of  abnormal  heat  present. 
But  there  are  cases  where  only  the  properly  registered  thermome- 
ter can  be  admitted.  The  method  of  measuring  the  heat  by  the 
thermometer  holds  a  highly  important  position,  not  only  in  cases 
of  illness  where  symptoms  are  present,  but  more  particularly  in 
the  incubative  stages  of  contagious  or  infectious  diseases.  The 
straight  thennometer  is  the  best  instrnment  to  use.  It  should  be 
kept  in  the  rectum  three  minutes,  and  may  be  tried  twice. 


XXVIII. 
CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 

A  contagions  disease  may  be  defined  as  one  induced  by  the 
operation  of  a  specific  vinis  termed  a  poison,  wliicli  is  conveyed 
by  contact  into  the  system  of  a  healthy  animal,  producing'  a  con- 
dition identical  with  that  of  the  body  from  which  it  originated. 

An  infectious  disease  is  one  which  has  the  power  of  spreading 
itself  by  diffusion  of  the  specific  material  through  the  air,  and  is 
not  transmitted  by  actual  contact  with  the  diseased  animal. 

GLANDERS  AND  FARCY. 

Glanders  may  be  defined  to  be  a  malignant  disease,  contagious, 
and  due  to  the  introduction  into  the  system,  or  of  generation 
within  it,  of  a  specific  virus,  the  bacillus  mallei.  They  show  their 
specific  effect  principally  upon  the  Schneiderian  membrane,  but 
traces  of  the  poisoti  may  be  seen  in  the  lungs  and  lymphatic 
glands.  It  is  communicated  to  all  animals  except  cattle  and  pigs. 
When  it  occurs  in  man  it  seems  to  increase  in  intensity  and 
malignancy.  Some  veterinarians  claim  that  it  originates  by 
contagion  only,  while  others  claim  it  is  capable  of  spontaneous 
origin.  I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  it  originates  spontaneously. 
Glanders  may  occur  in  four  forms — namely:  Acute  glanders, 
chronic  glanders,  acute  farcy,  and  chronic  farcy.  It  arises  from 
debilitating  influences,  such  as  exhausting  diseases,  overwork, 
bad  food,  and  bad  ventilation. 

Glanders  and  farcy  are  one  and  the  same  disease.  The  virus 
is  identical  in  both  forms  of  the  disease.  The  discharge  from  the 
nose  of  a  glandered  horse  when  introduced  into  the  system  of 
other  horses  may  in  one  produce  glanders  and  in  another  farcy; 
while  the  pus  from  a  farcy  ulcer  may  produce  in  the  inoculated 
animal  glanders,  farcy,  or  both. 

( 3;?5 ) 


336 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


CoNTAGio-N. — Glanders  does  not  seem  to  be  a  highly  contagious 
disease;  cases  are  known  where  affected  animals  worked  and  stood 
by  the  side  of  healthy  animals  for  months  without  transmitting 
the  disease.  Again,  when  once  introduced  into  the  stables,  it  is 
certain  to  spread  among  the  horses  there  located.  The  vitality, 
of  the  virus  is  wonderful,  as  it  may  be  dried  in  air,  remain  in  that 
condition  for  years,  and  on  being  rendered  fluid  is  found  to  retain 
its  virulence.     The  virus  may  be  taken  into  the  nasal  chambers 

in  the  form  of  dust,  and  on  be- 
coming moistened  by  the  secretions 
inoculate  itself. 

Period  of  Incubation. — The 
period  of  incubation  is  short.  It 
generally  shows  itself  in  connection 
with  the  submaxillary  glands  on  the 
third  day  after  inoculation,  and  the 
discharge  from  the  nostrils  occurs 
from  the  third  to  the  sixth  day.  In 
some  cases  it  does  not  appear  for  a 
much  longer  period. 

Symptoms  of  Acute  Glanders. — 
The  disease  is  ushered  in  by  rigors, 
usually  followed  by  a  discharge  and 
ulceration  of  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  nose.  The  temperature  is  as  high  as  106°,  or  some- 
times as  high  as  109°.  The  breathing  is  aifected,  the 
appetite  fails,  and  the  eyes  are  afl"ected.  The  principal  diag- 
nostic symptoms,  however,  are  connected  with  the  nasal  cham- 
bers. There  will  be  an  abundant  discharge  from  the  nostrils  of 
a  fetid  nature.  The  pituitary  membrane  at  first  is  of  a  dark 
copper  color,  with  patches  of  ecchymosis  of  a  dark  red  hue.  It 
gradually  becomes  paler,  and  the  patches  are  rapidly  converted 
into  pit-like,  ragged-edged  ulcers,  from  which  issues  the  dis- 
charge.     The  submaxillary   lymphatic  glands   enlarge.      Other 


Fig.  81 — Chronic  Glanders. 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 


337 


lymphatic  glands  enlarge,  burst,  and  discharge  a  purulent  mate- 
rial.   This  fonn  of  glanders  is  rapidly  fatal. 

Symptoms  of  the  Chronic  Form. — This  fonn  of  glanders  is 
the  most  common,  and  is  frequently  seen  in  old,  debilitated  ani- 
mals. The  animal  may  be  affected  for  some  time  without  pre- 
senting any  well-marked  symptoms.  The  general  health  is 
scarcely  affected.  The  submaxillary  gland  becomes  intermit- 
tently swollen  and  hard.  The  nostrils  finally  become  paler,  and 
soon  the  starchy,  glue-like  discharge  comes  on.  The  discharge 
usually  issues  from  one  nostril,  although  it  may  issue  from  both. 
If  the  discharge  is  thrown  into  w^ater  it  sinks  readily.  In  chronic 
glanders,  the  ulcers  in  many  instances  are  not  present.  There 
will  usually  be  a  slight  irrita- 
tion of  the  eye  on  the  same 
side  as  the  nostril  that  is  dis- 
charging. In  order  to  bring 
out  the  symptoms,  ten  drachms 
of  aloes  may  be  administered, 
when  usually  the  symptoms 
become  more  marked.  If  a 
case  is  suspected,  it  should  be 
isolated.  Some  of  the  nasal 
discharge  may  be  inoculated 
in  the  hind  limb;  if  glanders 
is  present  farcy  will  probably 
appear. 

Acute  Farcy. — The  signs 
are  those  of  fever,  the  tem- 
perature ranging  from  lOC^  to 
108°.  The  first  symptom  to 
attract  attention  is  a  swelling 
of  the  limbs.  There  is  an  engorgement  of  the  whole  limb, 
resembling  the  swelling  of  lymphangitis.  The  lymphatic 
glands  will  be  enlarged,  showing  cords  and  buds.  These  buds 
22 


Fig.  82— Acute  Farcy. 


338  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

burst  and  become  confluent.  The  buds  are  generally  seen  in 
groups  and  away  from  the  articulation. 

Chronic  Farcy. — The  fever  is  not  well  marked;  locally  there 
will  be  ulcers  on  the  outer  and  inner  surface  of  the  thigh.  The 
buds  range  themselves  in  groups,  and  run  in  the  same  direction 
as  the  veins.  It  may  affect  the  submaxillary  glands  and  neck. 
Some  eminent  authors  hold  that  particular  forms  of  farcy  and 
glanders  can  be  cured.  I  do  not  believe  that  a  pure  case  of  glan- 
ders or  farcy  has  ever  been  cured.  Where  cures  are  reported, 
there  was  mistake  in  the  diagnosis.  Isolating  the  animal  for 
treatment  is  all  very  good,  and  perhaps  the  symptoms  can  be  re- 
moved for  the  time  being,  but  the  danger  to  human  life  requires 
immediate  destruction.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  animal  may 
transmit  the  disease  when  all  external  symptoms  are  removed. 
If  the  bacillus  has  ever  been  in  the  system,  it  remains  there  in 
spite  of  all  treatment.  We  know  of  no  medicine  that  will  cure 
the  disease.  One  working  with  a  glandered  horse  should  be  care- 
ful that  there  are  no  abrasions  on  the  hand,  or  that  the  discharge 
does  not  in  any  way  come  in  contact  with  the  mucous  membrane 
of  the  eye  or  nose. 

Preventive  treatment  after  the  disease  appears  in  a  stable  is  of 
the  greatest  importance.  The  ventilation,  food,  and  water  should 
be  looked  after.  The  stables  should  be  whitewashed.  The  wash 
should  contain  a  pint  of  crude  carbolic  acid  and  a  half  ounce  of 
bichloride  of  mercury  to  each  bucketful.  The  stall  in  which  the 
affected  animal  occupied  should  be  torn  out  and  his  harness  burnt 
with  it  in  a  heap.  The  fittings  should  all  be  painted.  All  horses 
in  the  stable  should  be  given  at  each  meal  two  ounces  of  the  hypo- 
sulphate  of  soda,  or  two  drachms  of  the  chlorate  of  potash. 

STOMATITIS  PUSTULOSO. 

This  is  a  contagious  disease,  seldom  seen  in  this  country.  It  is 
said  to  have  occurred  in  Germany.  It  affected  horses  principally 
from  four  to  five  years  old.  The  animals  looked  to  be  in  a  healthy 
?nd  thriving  condition,  but  on  eating  hay  large  quantities  of 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE. 


339 


saliva  would  flow  from  the  mouth.  The  temperature  of  the  skin 
is  warm,  the  pulse  60,  the  respiration  normal.  They  all  eat 
heartily,  but  masticate  and  swallow  with  difficulty.  There  is 
abundance  of  saliva,  a  green  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  water 
taken  returns  through  the  nose,  and  the  Schneiderian  membrane 
is  of  a  rose  color.  The  submaxillary  glands  enlarge,  the  mucous 
membrane  becomes  hot,  and  firm  nodules  make  their  appearance. 


Fig.  83— Stomatitis  Pustuloso. 

These  extend  to  the  cheeks,  tip  of  the  tongiie,  inferior  surface  of 
the  tongue  and  lips.  They  soon  form  ulcers  and  ultimately  begin 
to  heal.  The  disease  runs  a  rapid  course.  The  ulcers  begin  heal- 
ing about  the  sixth,  and  the  animal  gets  clear  of  the  disease, 
under  treatment,  in  twelve  or  fourteen  days.  The  disease  is  trans- 
missible to  man  and  some  of  the  lower  animals. 

The  disease  greatly  resembles  glanders,  but  the  close  observ'er 
will  see  a  vast  difference  from  it. 


340  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

ANTHRAX. 

Anthrax  seldom  attacks  the  horses  of  this  country.  It  is  said 
to  prevail  in  India  to  a  great  extent.  Elephants  and  other  ani- 
mals snffer  with  this  trouble,  and  it  is  termed  in  that  country 
Loodianna  disease. 

Symptoms. — Dullness,  a  heavy,  feeble  step,  falling  prostrate. 
If  the  animal  be  standing,  the  head  hangs  down,  resting  on  the 
manger.  It  sometimes  stands  back  in  the  stall,  and  finally  be- 
comes restive,  stamps  the  foot,  looks  at  the  side,  and  shows  other 
signs  of  colic.  The  disease  comes  on  while  at  work;  there  will  be 
great  Aveakness  manifested,  a  stiffness  over  the  loins,  and  a  stag- 
gering gait.  The  skin  is  hot,  the  muscles  tremble,  and  there  is 
a  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth. 

Great  excitement  sets  in,  and  soon  he  becomes  unconscious  to 
all  around.  The  conjunctiva  is  of  a  yellowish  red  color,  the  pulse 
small  and  thready,  and  the  respiration  irregular.  The  symptoms 
soon  increase,  the  muscular  force  becomes  exhausted,  the  animal 
falls  to  the  ground,  and  finally  dies.  The  disease  may  terminate 
in  from  six  to  foriy-eight  hours  after  manifestation  of  the  first 
symptoms. 

The  Symptoms  "Whex  Tumors  are  Present. — Usually,  when 
the  fever  begins,  tumors  form  on  the  surface  of  the  body.  This 
is  generally  the  first  symptom  noticed.  They  are  developed  prin- 
cipally in  the  subcutaneous  areolar  tissue.  The  development  of 
these  tumors  is  shown  by  heat  in  the  skin,  standing  out  of  the 
hairs,  and  crepitation.  They  may  be  felt,  as  large  as  a  walnut, 
adhering  to  a  pedicle  at  its  base.  They  are  painful,  and  the  sen- 
sibility of  the  surrounding  tissue  is  increased.  "When  lanced,  the 
animal  shows  no  pain,  and  a  brownish  or  black  fluid  escapes, 
together  with  a  fetid  gas.  These  tumors  may  be  found  in  any 
part  of  the  body  and  in  great  numbers. 

GLOSS  ANTHRAX. 

This  is  shown  by  tumors  on  the  mucous  membranes,  and  espe- 
cially are  they  seen  in  connection  with  the  tongue  or  inside  of  the 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES    OF    THE    HOKSE.  341 

lips.  They  vary  in  size  from  that  of  a  nut  to  a  hen's  egg,  and 
are  filled  with  serum.  The  tumors  are  of  a  yellowish-gray  color 
resting  on  the  surface  of  the  mucous  membrane.  The  tongue 
swells  and  hangs  out  of  the  mouth,  taking  a  bluish,  mulberry 
color.  The  swelling  extends  to  the  throat,  and  the  animal  dies 
from  suffocation. 

Treat.mext.- — Preventive  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  A 
seton  inserted  in  the  breast  is  recommended  as  the  best  preventive 
measure,  with  the  addition  of  four  drachm  doses  of  chlorate 
of  potash  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water,  or  given  in  a  drench 
dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water.  The  pasture  should  be  changed. 
If  it  occurs  on  a  rich  pasture  change  to  a  poorer  one.  The  disease 
usually  occurs  on  rich  pastures,  and  on  dry  soils  in  damp  seasons. 
If  the  disease  is  not  fully  developed,  treatment  may  be  tried. 
The  tumors  may  be  dressed  with  one  part  of  carbolic  acid  to 
four  parts  of  sweet  oil.  Three  drachms  of  chlorate  of  potash  to 
one  pint  of  water  should  be  given.  Twenty  drops  of  carbolic 
acid;  glycerine,  one-half  ounce;  water,  one  pint,  should  be  tried. 

VARIOLA  EQUINA,  OR  HORSE  POX. 

This  is  an  eruptive  disease,  similar  to  cow-pox  affecting  cows. 
The  eruptions  are  preceded  by  a  very  slight  fever.  The  eruptions 
appear  on  the  skin  over  the  whole  body.  Variola  is  transmissible 
from  horse  to  horse,  to  the  cow,  and  mankind.  It  is  a  very  mild, 
benignant  disease,  and  is  not  beneficially  influenced  by  the  action 
of  medicine. 

STRANGLES 

Is  a  contagious  disease  peculiar  to  the  horse.  The  disease  may  be 
induced  by  inoculation.  It  generally  i)revails  in  the  springtime. 
It  is  accompanied  by  well-:yiarked  febrile  symptoms,  attacking 
young  horses,  and  terminating  in  the  formation  of  an  abscess  in 
the  areolar  tissue  of  the  submaxillary  space.  It  may  affect  horses 
of  any  age,  but  is  not  transmissible  to  man  or  other  animals. 
There  are  two  forms  of  strangles,  the  regular  and  irregular.    The 


342 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


irregular  form  is  a  very  grave  affection,  malignant  in  its  nature. 
In  this  form  tumors  may  form  in  the  mesentery  or  in  any  part  of 
the  body.  I  have  seen  pus  pouring  from  more  than  two  dozen 
abscesses  at  a  single  time  in  various  parts  of  the  body.  The  dis- 
ease rarely  attacks  the  same  animal  more  than  once. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  of  the  disease  is  dullness;  the 
animal  is  easily  fatigued,  and  perspires  on  very  slight  exertion. 
The  fii-st  decided  symptom  is  difficult  deglutition.  The  animal 
pokes  his  nose  out,  holding  it  in  a  stiff 
position.  A  well-marked  fever  is  present, 
and  soon  a  tumor  makes  its  appearance 
in  the  inferior  maxillary  space,  at  first 
hard,  but  it  enlarges  and  finally  becomes 
soft,  containing  pus.  When  the  acute 
febrile  symptoms  have  subsided,  a  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  takes  place.  The 
disease  runs  a  course  of  eight  or  ten 
days.  In  eighteen  or  twenty  days  the 
animal  is  usually  fit  to  put  to  work.  The 
disease  is  seen  in  the  spring  months. 

Treat  MEN  t. — The  treatment  of 
strangles  is  very  simple.  Place  the 
pi.tient  in  a  loose  box,  and  give  abundant  pure  air.  The  body 
should  be  well  clothed.  The  diet  should  consist  of  easily  digested 
food.  Alcohol,  one  ounce,  or  nitrous  aether,  one  ounce,  should 
be  given  three  times  a  day.  Nitrate  of  potash  in  three-drachm 
doses  should  be  given  three  times  a  day,  dissolved  in  the  drinking 
water  or  given  in  a  drench.  If  the  pulse  is  weak,  a  half  ounce  of 
alcohol  may  be  given  three  times  a  day.  The  animal  should  be 
walked  in  the  Avarm  sun.  The  camphorated  liniment  should  be 
applied  to  the  swelling  under  the  jaw,  or  turpentine,  ammonia, 
and  linseed  oil,  equal  parts,  may  be  used,  and  ultimately  a  fly 
blister.  "When  the  abscess  begins  to  fluctuate,  it  should  be  lanced. 
If  there  are  symptoms  of  suffocation  the  surgeon  should  be  called 
in  and  a  tracheotomy  tube  inserted. 


Fig.  84 — Eegular 
Strangles. 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES    OF    THE    HORSE.  343 

Irregular  strangles  should  be  treated  in  the  same  way  locally; 
but  constitutionally,  an  effort  must  be  made  to  support  the  system 
by  good  food  and  tonics.  The  animal  must  be  protected  from 
the  weather,  and  should  receive  the  best  attention.  The  horse 
should  be  made  to  inhale  steam,  with  a  little  turpentine  added  to 
the  water.     The  local  lesions  are  much  more  severe  than  in  the 


Fig.  85 — Irregular  Strangles. 

first  form.  Tumors  may  arise  over  the  face,  neck,  body,  and  be- 
tween the  thighs.  The  flesh  is  lost  rapidly,  the  hair  falls  out  of 
the  mane  and  tail,  the  discharge  from  the  nose  increases,  the  legs 
begin  to  swell,  and  the  patient  becomes  affected  with  glanders 
and  farcy.  The  horse  should  be  removed  to  a  healthy  situation. 
He  should  be  kept  in  a  box  by  himself,  and  have  a  liberal  allow- 
ance of  hay  or  grass  and  bran  mashes.  Milk  should  be  given,  or 
milk,  eggs,  and  whiskey.    See  chapter  on  Feeding  Sick  Animals. 


XXIX. 

EPIZOOTIC  AND  ENZOOTIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 

An  epizootic  disease  is  one  that  spreads  rapidly,  attacking  large 
numbers  of  animals  in  a  short  space  of  time,  and  destroying 
many.  An  enzootic  disease  is  one  peculiar  to  certain  districts, 
and  results  from  local  conditions.  An  epizootic  disease  originates 
independently  of  contagion  or  infection.  An  epizootic  disease  is 
sometimes  conveyed,  however,  from  one  locality  to  another  by 
animals  which  are  or  have  lately  been  suffering  from  it. 

INFLUENZA. 

Influenza  is  an  epizootic,  febrile  disease,  attended  with  early 
and  great  prostration  of  strength  and  inflammation  of  the  nasal, 
laryngeal,  and  tracheal  mucous  membrane.  It  is  known  by  a 
number  of  names,  as  la  grippe,  epidemic  catarrh,  catarrhal  fever, 
etc. 

The  history  of  the  disease  extends  far  back  into  ancient  days. 
Hippocrates,  a  Greek  physician  who  lived  four  hundred  years 
before  Christ,  and  who  was  styled  the  ''Father  of  Medicine," 
mentions  the  disease  as  occurring  in  the  human  at  that  age.  Since 
the  year  1299  the  disease  has  had  many  outbreaks  in  this  and 
foreign  countries.  To  trace  its  early  history  and  point  out  the 
dates  of  the  different  outbreaks  is  beyond  the  purpose  of  this 
book. 

Causes. — The  causes  are  predisposing  and  exciting.  The  pre- 
disposing causes  are  sudden  change  in  the  temperature  and  badly 
ventilated  stables.  The  disease  is  usually  seen  during  the  spring 
months,  and  occurs  more  frequently  in  low,  swampy  situations. 
Usually  the  first  symptom  noticed  is  dullness;  rigors  are  present, 
the  coat  is  rough,  and  a  cough  is  present.  The  appetite  fails, 
the  mouth  becomes  hot  and  dry,  the  temperature  runs  up,  cough- 

(344) 


EPIZOOTIC     AND     ENZOOTIC     DISEASE.  345 

ing  becomes  more  violent,  the  bowels  are  constipated,  the  urine 
becomes  scanty,  and  is  darker  than  natural.  The  characteristic 
symptom  of  the  disease  is  early  debility  and  weakness,  the  animal 
staggering  during  the  acute  stages.  He  quickly  becomes  dull 
and  languid,  his  strength  leaving  him  the  first  few  days  of  the 
attack.  Sore  throat  is  present,  and  the  animal  seems  to  suffer 
headache.  The  breathing  is  affected.  Soon  a  discharge  of  a 
brownish-red  color  takes  place  from  the  nose.  Pneumonia  fre- 
quently follows  influenza.  If  an  animal  suffering  wdth  influenza 
be  worked  before  he  has  entirely  recovered,  and  be  caught  in 
rain,  pneumonia  is  almost  certain  to  follow.  Frequently  abdomi- 
nal complications  are  noticed;  the  animal  acts  as  though  suffering 
Avith  colic.  Sometimes  the  liver  is  involved.  This  may  be  de- 
tected by  a  yellow  tinge  of  the  mucous  membrane.  There  may 
bo  considerable  swelling  of  the  legs  and  sheath,  and  perhaps  of 
the  belly.  Toward  the  termination  of  influenza,  rheumatic  com- 
plications often  occur.  In  some  cases  this  may  be  noticed  in  the 
early  part  of  the  disease.  Few  horses  suffer  from  more  than  one 
attack  during  the  same  season.  The  disease  usually  does  w^ell. 
Aged,  debilitated,  or  otherwise  diseased  horses  are  the  ones  to  suc- 
cumb to  the  disease. 

Treatment. — The  disease  being  a  fever,  must  be  allowed  to 
run  its  course.  The  animal  should  have  good  ventilation  and  be 
protected  from  the  heat  and  sun.  If  it  be  in  winter,  the  body 
should  be  judiciously  clothed  and  the  legs  bandaged.  Pure  cold 
water  should  be  given  freely,  and  he  should  have  any  food  that 
he  will  take.  The  liquid  foods  mentioned  in  this  work  should  be 
given,  and  especially  those  containing  milk  and  alcohol.  Medici- 
nal remedies  consist  in  giving  s])irits  nitrous  ?cther  in  (Uince  doses 
three  times  a  day.  Xitrate  of  potash  in  half-ounce  doses  should 
be  given  for  the  first  few  days,  and  then  followed  with  chlorate 
of  potash  in  two-drachm  doses  three  times  a  day.  Medicines  may 
be  given  in  the  drinking  Avater,  if  the  animal  will  take  it  that 
way.  Stimulants  should  be  given — liqua  acetate  of  ammonia, 
two  ounces  in  a  pint  of  water,  three  times  a  day.     Aleoliol,  wine, 


346  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

beer,  whiskey  are  all  good.  If  the  throat  is  sore,  ammoniacal 
liniment  should  be  used.  If  pneumonia  complications  are  pres- 
ent, treat  as  for  pneumonia.  Where  abdominal  complications 
are  present,  two  ounces  of  the  tincture  of  opium  may  be  given. 
Some  cases  may  become  dangerous  from  the  laiynx  becoming 
involved,  rendering  breathing  very  difficult.  In  such  cases  it 
may  become  necessary  to  call  in  the  veterinary  surgeon  to  insert 
the  tracheotomy  tube.  If  a  troublesome  cough  remains'after  the 
disease  has  subsided,  the  ammoniacal  liniment  should  be  applied 
to  the  throat. 

PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

Tliis  is  an  epizootic  disease,  consisting  of  an  inflammation  of 
the  pleura  and  substance  of  the  lung.  It  is  accompanied  by  a  low 
typhoid  fever,  which  lasts  from  seven  to  fourteen  days.  This 
disease  has  prevailed  to  a  verj  great  extent  in  England  and  south 
of  Britain.  It  attacks  principally  debilitated  horses,  but  may 
attack  the  most  robust. 

Cause. — Change  of  weather  is  the  most  usual  cause,  especially 
in  the  spring  and  summer  months.  It  is  generally  believed  that 
the  disease  is  contagious  and  infectious.  This  may  be  true  in 
some  forms  of  the  disease,  while  in  others  it  most  assuredly  is  not. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  dull,  off  its  food,  weak  and  dejected. 
The  pulse  will  number  from  sixty  to  eighty  beats  per  minute, 
temperature  103°  to  104°.  A  cough  is  present  in  the  acute 
stages,  the  extremities  are  alternately  hot  and  cold,  the  mucous 
membranes  are  dejected  and  of  a  rusty  tinge.  The  mouth  is  foul 
and  the  abdomen  is  tucked  up.  The  animal  persistently  stands, 
with  his  nose  poked  out,  his  forelegs  far  apart;  the  breathing  is 
short  and  labored,  and  he  will  groan  if  made  to  turn  around.  In 
some  instances  the  whole  body  becomes  stiff.  Percussion  and 
auscultation  will  cause  pain,  and  there  will  be  absence  of  sound 
over  the  diseased  pleura. 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a  comfortable  stall,  if  that 
can  be  procured,  free  from  draughts  of  cold  wind.     The  body 


EPIZOOTIC    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASE. 


347 


should  be  clothed  according  to  the  season  of  the  year.  The  exter- 
nal treatment  is  of  great  importance,  and  consists  of  the  applica- 
tion to  the  lung  of  four  ounces  of  mustard  to  a  half  pint  of  water. 
An  ordinary  newspaper  should  be  applied  to  the  part  while  wet. 
Hot  bran  poultices  should  be  applied  to  the  lungs,  with  an  occa- 
sional repetition  of  the  mustard.  Cool  and  fresh  drinking  water 
should  be  placed  in  the  stall.  The  poultices  may  be  put  into  ordi- 
nary wide  bags,  tied  together  and  thrown  across  the  horse's  back. 
The  poultice  should  be  manipulated  so  as  to  cover  equally  the 
lung.  It  should  be  tied  down  with  a  long  rope  that  will  reach 
twice  around  the  body,  ^  * 
bringing  it  to  bear  on  the 
anterior  and  posterior 
part  of  the  bag.  "Where 
such  treatment  is  em- 
ployed, not  more  than  one 
in  fifty  will  succumb  to 
pleurisy  or  pneumonia. 
Aconite  tincture,  twenty 
drops,  three  or  four  times 
a  day,  in  conjunction 
with  one  ounce  of  alcohol 
in  a  pint  of  water,  should  be  administered.  Sweet  spirits  of 
nitre  in  one-ounce  doses  may  be  given  every  four  hours,  or  the 
liqua  acetate  of  ammonia,  in  two-ounce  doses,  may  be  given. 
Nitrate  of  potash  should  be  given  in  three-drachm  doses  in  the 
early  stages  of  the  disease,  and  increased  to  one  ounce  in  the 
later  stages.  During  convalescence  three  drachms  of  gentian 
with  three  drachms  of  sulphate  of  iron  may  be  used  in  the  feed 
night  and  morning.  la  this  disease  the  licinid  foods  recom- 
mended for  the  sick  are  of  the  greatest  importance,  especially 
the  preparations  of  mHk. 


Fig.   86— The    Manner    of   Applying  a 
Poultice  to  the  Lungs. 


348  THE  STOCK  owner's  adviser. 

PURPURA  HAEMORRHAGICA. 

This  is  an  eruptive,  non-contagious  fever,  occurring  as  an  idio- 
pathic disease,  but  most  generally  resulting  from  certain  debili- 
tating diseases. 

Symptoms. — The  primary  manifestations  are  uncertain.  In 
some  cases  swelling  of  the  hind  limbs  is  the  first  symptom  noticed. 
In  other  instances  the  approach  of  the  disease  is  shown  by  a  few 
purple  spots  in  the  nostrils.  Soon  the  purple  spots  are  seen  thick, 
in  connection  with  the  mucous  membrane.  Some  of  them  are 
not  much  larger  than  a  pin-head,  but  they  grow  larger  and  often 
become  confluent,  and  cause  sloughing  of  the  mucous  membrane. 
The  pulse  varies  in  character;  in  some  cases  quickening,  in  others 
infrequent.  The  temperature  rises  to  104-106°  F.  When  the 
fore  limbs  are  affected,  the  nose  and  head  swell.  This  sometimes 
reaches  such  dimensions  that  there  is  danger  of  suffocation.  The 
swellings  disappear  at  one  place  and  reappear  in  another.  In 
horses  with  white  heads  the  purple  spots  may  easily  be  seen.  If 
the  nose  is  much  swollen,  the  breathing  will  be  difficult  and  blood 
will  escape  from  the  nose  as  a  result  of  sloughing  of  the  mem- 
brane. The  urine  is  generally  high,  of  a  dark  color.  The  disease 
may  occur  without  the  external  manifestations,  but  such  cases 
are  very  rare. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  this  disease  it  is  of  great 
importance  that  the  animal  be  quartered  in  pure,  healthy  atmos- 
phere, the  box  dr}',  clean,  and,  if  possible,  in  the  sunlight.  Pur- 
pura, being  a  disease  in  which  the  blood  is  ver^^  much  altered, 
with  loss  of  a  portion  of  its  product  of  albumen  and  fibria,  re- 
quires the  administration  of  potassium  chlorate  in  ounce  doses, 
given  once  or  twice  daily.  The  chlorate  of  potash  may  be  reduced 
one-half  on  the  second  day.  Turpentine  every  alternate  day,  in 
two-ounce  doses,  may  be  given.  Spirits  of  nitrous  aether,  in  ounce 
doses,  may  be  given  with  benefit  if  the  heart  is  weak. 

The  local  treatment  consists  in  the  application  of  zinc  and  lead 
or  the  acid  lotion  frequently  referred  to.     Tonientations  may  be 


EPIZOOTIC    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASE.  349 

used  to  relieve  pain.  A  solution  of  the  perchloride  of  iron  makes 
a  good  local  application,  in  proportions  of  one  ounce  of  iron  to  a 
pint  of  water. 

SCARLATINA. 

This  is  a  febrile  disease,  characterized  by  an  eruption  on  the 
skin.  Spots  are  seen  on  the  nose  and  throat.  Suppuration  occurs 
in  various  parts  of  the  body,  and  especially  in  connection  with 
the  under  jaw.  The  disease  much  resembles  purpura.  The  sore- 
ness of  the  throat,  which  is  always  present  in  scarlatina,  gives  it  a 
distinction  from  purpura.  This  sore  throat  is  accompanied  with  a 
cough,  which  will  recede  with  the  eruptions  on  the  fourth  or 
fifth  day. 

Tkeatmext. — Treatment  is  similar  to  purpura,  with  the  ex- 
ception that  poultices  and  warm  fomentations  are  to  be  used  to 
the  throat.  A  liniment  composed  of  equal  parts  of  ammonia, 
turpentine,  and  linseed  oil  may  be  applied  to  the  throat  in  the 
place  of  poultices.  During  convalescence  the  animal  should  be 
exercised  lightly  and  given  good,  nutritious  food. 

EPIZOOTIC  CEREBRO-SPINAL  MENINGITIS. 

Definition. — An  inflammation  of  the  brain,  spinal  cord,  and 
their  coverings.  It  is  a  non-contagious  epizootic  disease  of  the 
Zymotic  class,  and  has  been  confined  principally  to  the  United 
States.  In  the  year  1871  it  played  great  havoc  in  Xew  York, 
Philadelphia,  and  Boston.  It  occurs  annually  in  an  epizootic 
form  on  the  sea  coast  of  Virginia,  comprising  the  counties  of 
Nansemond,  Princess  Anne,  and  Northampton,  and  the  adjacent 
counties  of  I^orth  Carolina.  Isolated  cases  occur  throughout  the 
United  States.  I  have  witnessed  it  in  the  valleys  and  in  the 
mountains  of.  Virginia,  West  Virginia,  Tennessee,  and  Maryland, 
but  never  in  the  epizootic  form.  The  most  favorable  location  for 
the  development  of  this  disease,  and  the  one  in  which  it  has  been 
most  destructive,  is  on  Xansemond  river,  one  of  the  most  fertile 
sections  of  Virginia  east  of  the  Blue  Kidge  Mountains.     Here 


350 


THE    STOCK    OWNEE  S   ADVISEB. 


the  farmers  annuallj  suffer  great  loss  from  tliis  disease.  But  few 
farms  located  on  tlie  river  front  have  escaped  this  disease  in  the 
past  five  years.  It  visits  manj  every  year,  and  I  have  witnessed 
as  many  as  six  cases  affecting  all  the  animals  on  one  farm  in  two 
weeks'  time.  It  occurs  in  the  epizootic  form  here  during  the 
months  of  July,  August,  and  September.  Isolated  cases  are  met 
with  during  the  ^\anter  months.  During  December,  1900,  and 
January,  1901,  the  disease  assumed  the  epizootic  foiTa  in  the 
counties  above  mentioned,  it  being  the  first  time  in  a  number  of 
years  that  it  occurred  here  in  the  epizootic  form  in  winter.     The 


Fig.  87— Cerebro-Spinal  Meningitis.     Staggering  and  giving  away 
in  the  limbs. 


cities  in  the  vicinity  of  the  infested  district  are  almost  free  from 
the  disease,  only  a  small  number  of  cases  having  occurred  each 
year. 

Its  origin  is  involved  in  mystery.  It  is  due  to  a  specific  poison, 
which,  existing  in  the  air,  becomes  absorbed  in  the  system.  "We 
do  not  know  the  origin  and  nature  of  the  poison.  The  more  ex- 
perience we  have  with  the  disease  the  more  are  we  at  a  loss  as  to 


EPIZOOTIC    AND    ENZOOTIC    DISEASE. 


351 


Fig.  88— Oerebro-Spinal  Meningitis.      Showing 
well  marked  paralysis  during  progression. 


its  causes.  By  witnessing'  it  in  all  its  forms  and  stages,  in  every 
conceivable  locality,  manner  of  feeding,  and  quality  of  drinking 
water,  we  become  dumb-founded  in  its  contemplation.    To  make 

matters  worse,  it 
chooses  for  its  prey 
tlie  better  kept  ani- 
mals. I  believe 
that  it  is  conveyed 
into  t  h  e  system 
from  the  air.  By 
chemical  analysis  of 
the  various  tissues 
of  the  diseased 
bod  y  ,  compared 
with  those  of  the 
soil,  vegetation  and  water  of  the  surroundings,  we  may  discover 
the  cause  and  its  origin. 

Symptoms. — I  will  first  give  the  symptoms  of  that  form  of  the 
disease  met  with  during  the  heated  months  of  the  year.  The  first 
symptom  is  dullness.  The  animal  drives  duller  than  usual.  If 
this  symptom  is  noticed  during  the 
outbreak  of  the  disease,  the  animal 
should  at  once  be  taken  to  the 
trough  to  drink.  First  remove  the 
bridle,  and  get  in  a  position  to  see 
him  take  the  first  swallow.  If  he 
sips  two  or  three  times  before  swal- 
lowing, then  succeeds  in  swallow- 
ing a  small  quantity,  and  finishes 
his  drink  in  the  regular  manner, 
swallowing  after  each  draw,  the 
poison  is  in  his  system.  The  dis- 
ease at  this  stage  can  be  treated  as  successfully  as  a  bad  cold. 
If  the  disease  is  allowed  to  go  on,  the  animal  grows  duller,  in 
two  or  three  days  he  will  stumble  occasionally,  may  fall  but 


Fig.  89— Cerebro-Spinal  Menin- 
gitis.    Walking  in  a  circle. 


352 


THE    STOCK    OWNEK  S    ADVISEE. 


te 


r^r^'i 


Fig.  90 — Cerebro-Spinal    ]\Ieningitis. 
delirium. 


Showing 


quickly  regain  his  feet,  and  continue  doing  his  work.  If  taken 
to  water  he  will  now  draw  eight  or  ten  times  before  he  is  able 
to  make  one  swallow, 
and  will  then  proceed 
taking  small  swallows 
after  each  draw.  At 
this  time  he  eats  as 
well  as  usual,  and 
there  is  no  percepti- 
ble change  in  puls-e. 
This  stage  of  the  dis- 
ease may  be  treated 
successfully. 

If  the  disease  is 
allowed  to  nm  on  un- 
checked, the  horse,  about  the  sixth  day,  will  be  able  to  swallow 
only  a  very  small  quantity.  He  can  swollow  easily  enough,  but 
the  tongue  being  pararlyzed,  he  is  not  able  to  draw  the  water 

into  the  oesophagus.  In  eat- 
ing grass,  he  will  nip  until 
his  mouth  is  full,  and  then, 
owing  to  the  tongue  being 
paralyzed,  the  grass  slips 
back  out  of  the  mouth.  The 
horse  continually  bunches 
the  grass.  At  this  stage 
there  will  be  a  paddling  gait, 
when  exerted,  and  free 
sweat.  Some  may  lie  down 
to  roll  and  not  be  able  to  get 
up  without  assistance.  At 
this  stage  it  is  that  the  dis- 
ease is  first  noticed  by  the 


''**S!li*^?f«?»»-ii*<i-9f.®-jS^ 


Fig.    91  —  Cerebro-Spinal    Meningitis. 

Showing  delirium  with  partial 

paralysis. 


owner,  and  here  the  prognosis  is  uncertain.    Some  recover  under 
treatment,  and  some  die.    If  the  disease,  at  this  stage,  cannot  be 


EPIZOOTIC    AND   ENZOOTIC    DISEASE. 


353 


arrested,  there  will  be  trembling  of  the  moiscles  of  the  body;  he 
may  eat  short  feed,  but  is  unable  to  take  long  feed,  owing  to  the 
tongue  being  paralyzed.  The  conjunctiva  becomes  greatly  in- 
jected. The  pulse  now  becomes  more  frequent  and  wiry.  The 
temperature  in  most  cases  falls  below  the  normal,  but  in  some 
there  is  a  rise  of  three  degrees.  The  mouth  is  dry  and  the  bowels 
remain  constipated.  The  animal  now  begins  to  give  way  in  the 
limbs,  staggers,  and  ultimately  goes  down.  He  may  die  in  a  few 
hours  after  going  down,  or  may  live  a  day.     I  never  undertake 


Fig.  92— A  Complication  of  Spinal  Meningitis. 


the  treatment  of  a  case  after  the  animal  goes  down  and  Is  not 
able  to  rise  with  a  little  assistance.  The  urine,  in  appearance,  in 
some  cases  is  normal,  in  some  highly  colored,  in  others  almost 
black,  or  rather  coffee-colored,  whicli  is  due  to  the  rapid  decom- 
position of  urea  caused  by  unhealthy  secretions  from  the  walls 
of  the  bladder. 

Symptoms. — Of  the  fonn  in  which  it  occurs  in  winter:  The 
animal  will  be  noticed  to  be  duller  than  usual.  This  dullness 
generally  lasts  two  or  three  days,  when  the  horse  is  noticed  to 
stumble.  He  shows  excitement.  In  this  form  the  disease  ap- 
proaches gradually  in  some  cases,  while  in  others  it  progresses 
23 


354 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER 


more  rapidly.  At  this  stage  it  can  be  easily  cured.  If  not  treated, 
the  animal  becomes  nervous  and  excited.  lie  has  difficulty  in 
drinking,  but  not  to  the  same  extent  as  in  the  condition  previously 
described.  While  driving  he  will  bear  to  one  side,  owing  to  the 
lobe  of  the  brain  on  that  side  being  more  greatly  affected  with  the 
disease  than  its  fellow.  The  pulse  may  be  a  little  below  the  nor- 
mal in  number  of 
beats  and  a  little 
wiry.  He  may  lean 
against  the  fence  and 
continue  w  a  1  k  i  n  g 
along,  leaning  to  one 
side,  or  against  the 
side  of  the  stall.  It 
is  very  difficult  to 
get  him  out  of  his 
stall,  and  when  out 
he  is  not  able  to  walk 
straight  back  with- 
out assistance.  If 
running  loose  in  pas- 
ture, many  cases  will 
continue  trotting  or 
running  around  in 
the  lot,  as  though 
driven  on  the  road. 
At    this    staffe    it    is 


Fig.  93— Another   Symptcm   of  Cerebro-Spiual 

Meningitis.      Showing   the   head   drawn 

backwards  and  the  distention  of  the 

nostrils  from  labored  breathing. 


first  noticed  by  the  owner.  If  treatment  be  now  undertaken 
the  prognosis  is  uncertain,  although  the  majority  recover.  If 
the  disease  cannot  be  checked  the  excitement  increases.  The 
animal  lifts  the  head  higher  than  natural,  or  it  is  drawn 
back  by  the  muscles.  The  conjunctiva  becomes  greatly  in- 
jected. The  animal  now  begins  pressing  forward,  leans  the 
head  against  the  manger,  and  thumps  his  head  against  the 
corner  of  his  stall.     Some  few  cases  can  be  cured  at  this  stage  of 


EPIZOOTIC    AND    EiNZOOTIC    DISEASE.  355 

the  disease,  but  it  is  generally  best  not  to  attempt  treatment.  As 
the  disease  advances  the  patient  becomes  delirious,  the  eyes  take 
on  a  wild,  staring  look,  and  he  seems  blind  to  all  objects  around 
him.  lie  strikes  his  head  against  the  stall  with  greater  violence 
than  before,  utters  the  most  horrible  cries,  goes  down,  and  soon 
dies  in  great  agony.  It  will  be  inferred  from  the  above  descrip- 
tion that  when  seen  in  time  the  treatment  of  the  disease  is  an  easy 
matter. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  should  be  with  the  view  of  elimi- 
nating the  poison  from  the  body.  In  all  cases,  if  the  bowels  re- 
spond to  purgative  medicines,  we  may  expeci  a  recovery.  Espe- 
cially is  this  the  case  with  the  first  described  form  of  the  disease. 
I  have  never  lost  a  case  in  this  form  of  the  disease  where  the 
bowels  responded  to  purgative  medicines.  If  the  case  has  ad- 
vanced too  far  for  the  bowels  to  become  liquid,  the  patient  will 
surely  die.  The  action  of  the  intestinal  glands  pouring  out  fluid 
relieves  congestion  and  assists  in  eliminating  the  poison.  The 
kidneys  should  be  stimulated  in  order  to  get  rid  of  as  much 
poison  as  possible.  By  this  means  we  can  hold  the  disease  in 
check  until  the  secretion  of  the  intestinal  glands  takes  place. 
Eight  drachms  of  aloes  and  one  drachm  of  calomel  should  be 
administered  as  soon  as  possible.  Nitrate  of  potash,  one-half 
ounce;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  ounce;  tincture  of  belladonna, 
one  drachm;  bromide  of  potash,  one  drachm,  should  be  given  in  a 
pint  of  water  every  three  hours,  until  four  doses  have  been  given, 
or  until  the  bowels  have  responded;  then  give  throe  times  a  day. 
One  ounce  of  aloes  should  be  added  to  the  fourth  dose.  The  same 
quantity  of  aloes  should  be  given  with  the  seventh  dose.  The 
bowels  must  be  made  fluid,  and  the  purgative  should  be  repeated 
until  this  is  done.  Many  cases  require  six,  seven,  and  even  eight 
purgative  doses,  and  I  have  given  ten  in  forty-eight  hours.  If 
the  bowels  respond  in  twenty-four  hours,  the  horse,  in  two  days, 
requires  no  further  treatment.  Ice  in  a  sac  should  be  applied  to 
the  head  and  kept  up  for  twenty-four  hours.  Blisters  may  be 
applied  to  the  spine.     I  seldom  use  slings.     My  experience  has 


356  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

been  that  where  it  is  necessary  to  use  slings,  the  case  is  beyond 
treatment;  however,  there  are  a  few  cases  where  the  slings  may 
be  used  to  advantage.  The  appetite  should  be  kept  up,  if  possi- 
ble. If  it  be  in  the  summer  season,  green  food  in  small  quantities 
should  be  offered,  such  as  green  grass  or  tender  and  growing  corn 
blades.  Some  few  cases  recover  slowly,  and  show  symptoms  of 
paralysis  for  some  time.  Such  cases  should  not  be  worked  under 
thirty  days. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

It  will  be  necessary  here  to  point  out  tlie  different  methods  of 
making  a  physical  examination,  by  which  the  diagnosis  of  these 
diseases  is  accurately  traced.  Auscultation  is  listening  to  the 
sounds  of  the  interior  by  means  of  the  ear  applied  to  the  surface 
of  the  body.  It  may  be  practiced  directly  by  the  ear  or  by  an 
instrument  called  the  stethoscope.  In  applying  the  stethoscope 
to  the  chest,  its  funnel-shaped  end  is  to  be  held  firmly  to  the  sur- 
face and  the  opposite  end  must  press  closely  to  the  ear.  Imme- 
diate auscultation  does  very  well.  The  ear  should  be  accurately 
applied  to  the  skin;  a  handkerchief  or  thin  cloth  may  be  allowed 
to  intervene. 

Percussion. — This  consists  in  striking  upon  the  surface  with 
the  view  of  eliciting  sounds,  by  the  nature  of  which  an  opinion 
may  be  formed  as  to  the  condition  of  the  interior  parts.  It  is 
either  immediate  or  mediate.  In  immediate  percussion  the  ends 
of  the  fingers  are  brought  together  and  supported  by  the  thumb, 
and  the  parts  are  struck  perpendicular  to  the  surface.  The 
knuckles  or  closed  hand  may  be  used. 

In  immediate  percussion,  the  pleximeter  is  generally  a  flat, 
oval,  or  circular  piece  of  ivory,  on  the  left  index  finger  of  the 
operator. 

NASAL  SOUNDS. 

The  normal  condition  is  simply  a  soft,  blowing  sound,  heard 
only  Avhen  the  car  is  placed  to  the  nostrils. 

Snoring  is  caused  by  a  polypus,  thickening  of  the  Schneiderian 
membrane  or  some  other  obstruction  of  the  nasal  chambers.  A 
snuffling  sound  is  accompanied  by  a  discharge  as  a  result  of  some 
disease.     Whistling  may  be  due  to  a  turaorfied  condition  of  the 

(357) 


358  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Schneiderian  membrane.     Sneezing  or  snorting  is  an  indication 
of  an  irritation  in  connection  with  the  Schneiderian  membrane. 

LARYNGEAL  SOUNDS  IN  HEALTH  AND  DISEASE. 

In  health  the  sonnd  is  that  of  a  soft  to-and-fro  sound.  The 
laryngea]  ?onnds  of  disease  are  many. 

Gruxtixg. — When  the  animal  is  struck  or  pulls  heavily,  he 
grunts.  This  is  normal  with  some  horses;  but  the  grunt  is  to  be 
regarded  with  suspicion,  and  the  animal  should  be  thoroughly 
tried  for  its  wind.     It  is  frequently  a  forerunner  of  roaring. 

Whistling  is  a  modification  of  roaring,  and  is  an  unsoundness. 

Roaring. — This  consists  of  a  loud,  unnatural  sound  emitted 
during  the  inspiratory  act.  It  is  a  symptom  of  acute  laryngitis; 
if  such,  it  only  indicates  temporary  unsoundness.  It  is  generally 
found,  however,  to  be  due  to  disease  and  wasting  of  the  muscles 
of  the  larynx.    It  is  then  an  unsoundness. 

COUGHS. 

A  cough  is  produced  by  a  violent  expulsion  of  air  from  the 
lungs  over  the  vocal  chords.    It  is  a  symptom  of  various  diseases. 

The  dry  cough  is  symptomatic  of  a  dryness  of  the  respirators' 
mucous  membrane.  The  cough  of  pleurisy  is  a  dry,  painful,  and 
prolonged  cough.  The  hollow  cough  is  a  symptom  of  chronic 
disease.  The  moist  cough  indicates  an  inflamed  and  humid  con- 
dition of  the  re^^piratory  mucous  membrane.  The  broken  wind 
cough  is  a  suppressed,  deep,  hollow  cough. 

In  connection  with  the  trachea,  there  are  what  is  known  as 
tracheal  rales,  a  peculiar  rattling  in  the  throat.  This  is  a  symptom 
of  death. 

THORACIC  SOUNDS. 

The  normal  respiratory  murmur  is  a  soft  diffused  murmur  of  a 
gentle,  breezy  character.  The  length  of  expiration  is  about  one- 
fourth  that  of  inspiration.  The  normal  bronchial  sounds  resem- 
ble the  blowing  of  air  quickly  through  a  tube.     The  sound  is  dis- 


DISEASES  OF  THE   KESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  359 

tinct  over  the  middle  and  upper  third  of  the  chest.  In  the  ox  it 
is  heard  lower  down.  The  bound  produced  by  percussion  in  the 
normal  chest  is  of  a  resonant  character.  It  is  very  clear  immedi- 
ately behind  the  shoulder  to  the  twelfth  or  thirteenth  rib,  where 
it  gradually  diminishes. 

The  abnormal  sounds  heard  in  the  thoracic  cavity  are,  first,  a 
sonorous,  murmuring  sound,  caused  by  narrowing  of  the  large 
bronchial  tubes.  This  is  termed  rhonchus.  It  may  be  heard  in 
front  of  the  chest  and  behind  the  shoulder. 

Sibilant  Rale. — By  this  is  meant  a  whistling,  hissing,  click- 
ing, wheezing  sound.  It  is  associated  with  bronchitis,  and  is  heard 
in  the  region  of  the  bronchial  tubes. 

Mucous  Rhonchus,  or  Rale. — The  bursting  of  bubbles  of 
some  size,  varying  in  number,  modified  by  coughing  and  expecto- 
ration. The  sound  is  due  to  bubbling  of  air  through  the  liquid. 
This  is  seen  in  the  moist  stage  of  bronchitis. 

Crepitations. — This  sound  is  compared  with  that  produced 
by  rubbing  slowly  and  firmly  betAveen  the  finger  and  thumb  a 
lock  of  one's  hair  near  the  ear.  This  is  best  heard  in  the  lower 
third  of  the  chest. 

TUBAL  OR  BRONCHIAL  SOUND. 

When  this  sound  is  heard  over  the  inferior  portion  of  the 
thorax,  it  indicates  some  degree  of  consolidation  of  the  lung. 

Absence  of  Sound. — When  this  occurs,  it  indicates  that  the 
exudation  is  excessive  in  quantity,  and  that  effusion  has  taken 
place  in  tke  thorax. 

PLEURAL  SOUNDS. 

There  may  be  heard  a  rubbing  or  grating  sound  during  inspi- 
ration and  expiration.  It  is  caused  by  rubbing  together  of  the 
two  opposed  surfaces  of  the  pleura,  chiefly  heard  at  the  lower  part 
of  tke  chest. 


360  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Inflammation  of  the  Parenchyma  or  Lung  Substance. — 
One  or  both  lungs  may  be  affected.  When  both  lungs  are  affected 
to  any  great  extent,  death  is  the  nsual  tennination. 

There  are  three  stages  of  pneumonia.  The  first  stage  is  that 
of  hypertemia,  characterized  by  an  excess  of  blood  in  the  part. 
"When  a  portion  of  the  lung  will  float  on  being  placed  in  water, 
the  condition  is  known  as  splenization. 

The  second  stage  is  known  as  red  hepatization.     At  this  time 

the  lung  has  undergone  a  more  or  less  destructive  process,  and 

will  readily  sink  on  being  placed  in  water.     In  case  the  patient 

hould  recover  from  this  condition,  the  exudate  will  be  removed, 

-ifter  liquefying,  by  the  process  of  absorption. 

The  third  stage  is  gray  hepatization,  in  contra-distinction  to  red 
hepatization. 

Cause. — Exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  sudden  chills,  housing  in 
cold,  draughty  stables.  It  may  be  caused  by  irritating  gases,  by 
smoke,  foreign  bodies  entering  the  lungs.  Medicine  of  an  irri- 
table character  finding  its  way  into  the  lungs  may  produce  pneu- 
monia. It  is  most  frequently  seen  in  sudden  changes  in  the 
weather,  or  when  the  animal  is  allowed  to  cool  down  too  suddenly 
after  heating. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  ushered  in  by  rigors.  Respirations 
are  affected  slightly  at  first.  The  pulse  beats  about  eighty  per 
minute;  the  temperature  rises  to  104  to  106  degrees.  A  dry,  dull 
cough  is  present.  The  ears  and  legs  are  alternately  hot  and  cold. 
The  animal  does  not  lie  do^^^l,  but  will  wander  about  in  his  stall 
in  a  listless  manner,  and  may  take  a  mouthful  of  food  at  intervals. 
The  respirations  vary  according  to  the  severity  of  the  disease. 
The  horse  will  seek  fresh  air.  Percussion,  if  over  the  region  of 
the  diseased  lung,  yields  a  dull  sound.  The  right  lung  is  more 
frequently  affected  than  the  left.  In  cases  likely  to  terminate 
fatally,  the  pulse  runs  up,  becoming  quicker  and  weaker,  and  the 
respirations  become  increased.    The  nostrils  flap,  with  a  brownish 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIKATORY   ORGANS 


361 


or  rusty  colored  discharge  from  the  nose;  the  eyes  take  on  an 
amaurotic  stare,  and  the  animal  becomes  unconscious  of  every- 
thing around.  The  pulse  can  scarcely  be  felt,  and  the  body  is 
deathly  cold.  He  may  lie  down,  turn  his  head  to  one  side,  and 
finally  throw  it  back  straight  and  breathe  his  last,  or  may  rise  to 
his  feet  and  drop.  The  horse  never,  for  any  length  of  time,  lies 
down  in  pneumonia  .  If 
he  should  lie  down,  he 
will  at  once  get  up. 

TreatiMent. — Place 
the  patient  in  a  well- 
ventilated  loose  box, 
free  fro  m  draughts. 
Clothe  the  body  ac- 
cording to  the  season 
of  the  3' ear.  Loc<nlly, 
mustard  plasters  are  to 
be  applied  to  the  lungs, 
six  ounces  to  one  pint 
of  water,  and  covered 
with  ordinary  news- 
papers. I3ran  ]'Oultices 
also  should  be  applied 
to  the  lungs.  A  bushel  ^^^  94-Pneumonia.  See  the  haggard  look, 
of  bran  should  be  di-  the  anxious  expression  of  the  eye,  the 
vided    into    two    equal        labored   breathing   as   indicated    by   the 

T        ^        T      •  nasal  opening, 

parts     and     placed     in 

two  wide  bags.     Boiling  water  should  be  poured  on  the  bran, 

and  the  poultice  applied  as  hot  as  can  be  bonie.     Tie  the  sacks 

together  and  throw  them  across  the  horse's  back  and  buckle  down 

tightly,  or  tie  with  a  long  rtipe  tliat  will  cxtcMid  around  I  he  body 

twice.     The  rope  should  draw  on  the  antcricir  and  })ostcrior  part 

of  the  sack,  and  be  drawn  tightly,  and  the  blanket  should  be  put 

over  this.    Place  a  bucket  of  cool  drinking  water  in  the  stall  and 

give  the  liquid  foods  mentioned  in  the  chapter  on  Feeding  the 


362  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Sick.  Anything  the  animal  will  take  should  be  given  in  small 
quantities.  If  given  in  large  quantities  and  allowed  to  remain  in 
the  trough  it  will  only  disgust  the  patient.  The  mustard  applica- 
tions may  be  repeated  three  or  four  times,  and  should  be  used 
alternately  with  poultices.  If  the  fever  be  high,  tincture  of  aco- 
nite, twenty  drops;  nitrate  of  potash,  three  drachms,  should  be 
given  at  interyals  of  four  hours.  AVhen  the  circulation  is  weak, 
stimulants  should  be  given,  as  liqua  acetate  of  ammonia,  in  two- 
ounce  doses  every  four  hours.  An  ounce  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre 
is  useful.  Three-drachm  doses  of  potassium  iodid  may  be  given 
twice  a  day  during  convalescence.  It  is  safer,  as  a  general  thing, 
to  make  a  judicious  use  of  stimulants  from  the  beginning;  nitrous 
aether,  one  ounce;  sal.  acetate  of  ammonia,  one  ounce,  diluted  in 
one  pint  of  water,  is  the  best  and  should  be  given  every  four 
hours. 

PLEURISY. 

This  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  pleura.  When  the 
pleura  and  the  lung  substance  itself  are  inflamed,  we  call  it 
pleuro-pneumonia.  The  pleura  is  the  serous  membrane  that  lines 
the  thoracic  cavity  and  covers  the  viscera  of  the  thorax. 

The  causes  are  similar  to  those  of  pneumonia.  Nearly  a" 
cases  of  pleurisy  terminate  in  effusion  of  serum,  constituting  lir. 
ited  hydrothorax. 

Pleurisy  may  be  double  or  single,  but  generally  it  is  single,  and 
confined  to  the  right  side. 

Sy.mptoms. — It  is  characterized  by  a  chill  at  the  beginning. 
There  is  coldness  of  the  body,  a  wiry  pulse,  and  a  painful  cough. 
The  animal  becomes  stiff  and  sore,  and  if  approached  or  turned 
around  suddenly  he  will  groan.  During  the  act  of  respiration, 
the  ribs  are  fixed,  a  hollow  line  extends  along  the  inferior  border 
of  the  false  ribs.  The  muscles  over  the  affected  part  quiver,  and 
great  soreness  will  be  observed.  On  auscultation,  a  crepitating 
sound  can  be  heard,  caused  by  the  pleural  membranes  moving 
over  each  other.  The  cough  accompanying  pleurisy  is  of  sup- 
pressed character. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIRATORY   ORGAKS. 


3(i3 


AVitliin  four  to  six  days  the  animal  becomes  quiet,  and  seems 
to  be  free  from  pain.  This  is  a  sign  that  effusion  of  serum  has 
taken  place.  In  this  disease,  as  in  pneumonia,  the  animal  stands 
with  the  elbows  turaed  outward. 

Treatment. — It  should  be  treated  similar  to  pneumonia,  but 
juustard  applications  should  not  be  hiid  on  as  frequently  as  in 
pneumonia.  A  half  ounce  of  ]x>tas8iiim  nitrate;  camphor,  one 
drachm ;  aqua,  one 
pint,  may  he  given. 
Digitalis,  one 
drachm;  potassium 
n  i  t  r  a  t  e,  t  h  r  e  e 
drachms;  water, 
o  n  e  -  h  a  1  f  pint, 
sliould  be  tried. 

II YDROTHOR AX . 

This  condition 
arises  from  an  effu- 
sion of  serum,  of  a 
port-wine  color,  into 
the  cavity  of  the 
chest.  It  is  the  re- 
sult of  pleurisy. 

Symptoms. — The  respirations  are  difficult,  and  there  is  flapping 
of  the  nostrils.  On  auscultation  no  sound  can  be  heard  in  the 
inferior  thorax.  Odematous  swellings  are  seen  along  tlie  belly 
and  limbs. 

Trkatmkxt. — The  treatment  must  be  directed  to  the. removal 
of  the  fluid,  which  may  be  absorbed  by  giving  good,  nutritious 
food.  The  liquid  food,  especially  the  nu'lh  preparations  men- 
tioned in  this  work,  should  be  given  in  half-ounce  doses.  Powd. 
gentian,  three  drachms;  powd.  sulphate  of  iron,  three  drachms; 
powd.  nux  vomica,  one  drachm,  should  be  given  in  the  feed  night 
and  morning.    In  some  few  cases  it  may  be  necessary  to  have  the 


Fig.   95— Pleurisy.      Showing  the   hollow   line 
extending  along  tlie  inferior  border  of  the 
false  ribs  during  the  act  of  respiration.     See 
drawn-up  and  fixed  position  of  the  abdomen  . 
and  chest. 


364 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


surgeon  perfonn  the  operation  of  paracentesis  thoracis,  or  tap- 
ping. The  fluid  should  be  removed  by  the  trocar  and  canula, 
which  should  be  inserted  in  the  space  between  the  eighth  and 
ninth  rib. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

This  gives  rise  to  a  partial  or  complete  arrest  of  pulmonary 
circulation.  The  blood  is  detained  in  the  parts,  causing  func- 
tional derangement  of  the  lungs.  It  is  a  forerunner  of  pneu- 
monia. 

Cause. — The  disease  is  caused  by  standing  idle  during  the  bad 
winter  months  and  being  put  to  severe  exertion  all  of  a  sudden 

when  spring  opens  us.  It 
may  result  from  working  a 
horse  while  suffering  with 
other  pulmonary  affections. 
It  is  also  produced  by  ex- 
posure to  rain  when  over- 
heated. I  saw  two  cases 
produced  from  this  cause  in 
a  pasture  in  one  night.  The 
colts  were  turned  into  the 
field,  where  they  ran  and 
played  for  some  time.  Late 
J  in  the  night  a  heavy  rain 
came  up,  and  they  con- 
tracted the  disease.  I  saw 
them  the  following  even- 
ing just  before  their  death. 
Symptqjis. — The  animal 
is  observed  to  shiver;  all 
food  is  refused;  the  mouth  is  hot,  the  extremities  are  deathly 
cold;  the  pulse  beats  eighty  or  ninety  per  minute.  There  will  be 
a  peculiar  flapping  of  the  nostrils,  the  flanks  heave  rapidly;  the 
eyes  are  blood-shot.  In  some  cases  there  will  be  a  discharge  of 
fi'otliv  blood  from  the  nose. 


Fig.  90— Congestion  of  the  Lungs.  See 
the  flapping  of  the  nostrils,  the  deadly 
stare,  the  pressing  forward  with  the 
foreliinbs  under  the  body — the  fore- 
limbs  wide  apart. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  365 

Treatment. — Place  the  animal  in  a  comfortable  box  stall  and 
have  his  limbs  rubbed  vigorously  for  some  time.  lie  should  be 
well  clothed.  Sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  in  two-ounce  doses,  should  be 
given  and  repeated  in  two  hours.  AVhiskev,  or  alcohol  in  any  of 
its  forms,  may  be  given,  and  enemas  should  be  given.  Cloths 
wrung  out  of  hot  water  may  be  applied  to  the  sides.  One  to  two 
ounces  of  the  tincture  of  arnica  is  recommended  by  Prof.  "Wil- 
liams. "Whiskey  and  gentian  may  be  given  during  convalescence. 
The  food  should  be  good,  and  should  consist  of  anything  the  ani- 
mal will  take.  Some  of  the  preparations  mentioned  in  this  work 
should  be  used. 

CATARRH. 

This  is  simply  a  common  cold — a  running  at  the  nose. 

Symptoms. — Sneezing,  watering  of  the  eyes,  dryness  of  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  succeeded  by  a  discharge,  at  first 
thin  and  colorless,  which  soon  becomes  yellowish-white  and  pro- 
fuse. 

Causes. — Alterations  in  temperature,  hot,  ill-ventilated  sta- 
bles, exposure  to  wet,  a  sudden  change  of  temperature.  If  the 
cold  be  neglected,  a  catarrhal  inflammation  is  apt  to  spread  from 
the  nose  over  the  Avhole  surface  of  the  respirators^  membrane. 

Treatment. — This  is  simple,  if  in  time.  Place  the  animal  in 
a  comfortable,  loose  box,  well  ventilated.  Clothe  the  body  and 
give  good  food.  The  animal  should  be  made  to  inhale  steam  by 
holding  its  head  over  a  Inicket  of  hot  water,  at  the  same  time  stir- 
ring the  water  with  a  wisp  of  hay.  A  few  doses  of  the  nitrate  of 
potash  in  the  usual  amounts  arc  beneficial.  In  more  severe  cases 
nitrous  aether,  one  ounce;  potassium  nitrate,  three  drachms, 
should  be  given  every  four  hours.  It  nuist  be  remembered  that 
no  purgative  medicine  is  admissible  in  respiratory  diseases.  The 
bowels  should  always  be  moved  ])y  eiuMuns  and  laxative  food.  If 
there  is  a  severe  cough  ]U'csent,  liniments  of  a  stinudating  char- 
acter may  bo  employed,  as  (he  animoiiiacal  liniment.  If  the  dis- 
charge has  a  tendency  to  become  chronic,  sulphate  of  iron,  in 


366 


THE    STOCK    OWJN'EE  S    ADVISER. 


three-drachm  doses,  should  be  given  in  the  feed.  Particular  at- 
tention should  be  paid  to  the  food,  which  must  be  of  the  best 
character.     Green  food  is  highly  beneficial. 

LAEYNGITIS. 

This  condition  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  lar)'nx.  It  is  indicated  by  a  discharge  from  the 
nose,  difficult  breathing,  and  febrile  disturbances. 

This  is  a  very  grave  affection,  sometimes  killing  quickly. 
Sometimes  it  leaves  a  thickened  condition  of  the  mucous  mem- 
branes. This  swells  and 
closes  the  glottal  opening, 
and  the  animal  dies  from 
suffocation. 

The  various  conditions 
causing  laryngitis  are  about 
the  same  as  those  causing 
simple  catarrh. 

Symptoms. — T  h  e  first 
symptoms  are  dullness  and 
a  difficulty  in  swallowing. 
When  drinking,  the  water 
returns  through  the  nose. 
The  animal's  nose  is  pro- 
truded, the  respiratory  pas- 
sages thus  being  brought 
as  near  on  a  straight  line 


Fig.  97 — Laryngitis.  Showing  protrusion 
of  the  nose  in  an  endeavor  to  bring 
the  air  passages  as  nearly  on  a  straight 
line  as  possible. 


as  possible.  The  conjunc- 
tiva is  red,  and  tears  flow  from  the  eyes.  The  nasal  chambers 
are  red;  a  hoarse,  rasping  cough  is  present,  and  sweats  bedew 
the  body.  The  legs  and  ears  are  cold,  and  the  animal  will  mani- 
fest his  distress  by  stamping  his  feet.  The  pulse,  at  first  hard  and 
full,  becomes  rapid  and  indistinct.  The  membranes  assume  a 
livid  hue,  and  the  animal  falls  and  dies.  Milder  cases  are  simply 
modifications  of  the  above.     There  may  be  swelling  of  the  limbs 


DISEASES   OP  THE   RESPIRATORY  OKGANS.  307 

and  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils,  which,  if  profuse  and  coming 
away  freely,  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  favorable  sign. 

Treatment. — Secure  an  abundance  of  pure  air;  place  the 
patient  in  a  comfortable,  loose,  box  stall.  Hand-rub  and  flannel- 
bandage  the  limbs.  Administer  the  medicine,  if  possible,  in  the 
drinking  water.  If  ho  will  not  take  it  thus,  it  must  be  given  in 
a  draught,  using  plenty  of  water  to  dilute  the  medicine.  Inhala- 
tions of  steam  and  hot  fomentations  to  the  throat  should  be  tried, 
and  if  the  distress  is  not  quickly  relieved,  tracheotomy  must  be 
resorted  to.  Where  the  case  is  not  so  urgent,  the  fomentation 
and  the  use  of  the  ammoniacal  liniment  to  the  throat  will  usually 
suffice.  Chlorate  of  potash  should  be  dissolved  in  the  drinking- 
water,  and  twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  alcohol  or  aether,  may  be  given  in  a  drench;  one  ounce 
of  either  may  be  given.  The  results  of  laryngitis  are  thickening 
of  the  mucous  membrane,  ulceration  of  the  rima  glottidus,  atro- 
phy of  the  laryngeal  muscles,  and  follicular  growths  upon  the 
laryngeal  entrance.  Thickening  of  the  mucous  membrane  is  best 
treated  by  putting  the  animal  on  a  course  of  potassium  iodide; 
three  drachms  should  be  given  three  times  a  day.  Ulceration  of 
the  rima  glottidus  is  treated  with  a  solution  of  the  nitrate  of 
silver.  It  should  be  applied  by  a  little  piece  of  sponge  fastened  to 
a  rod.  The  follicular  growths  are  removed  by  the  application 
of  a  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate.  To  prevent  atrophy  of  the 
muscles,  the  chlorate  of  potash  should  be  used,  in  two-drachm 
doses. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Bronchitis  may  be  defined  as  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  bronchial  tubes.  It  is  sometimes  called 
Catarrhal  Bronchitis. 

Causes. — Bronchitis  is  due  to  exposure  to  cold.  It  frequently 
arises  during  voyage  at  sea  and  by  improper  administration  of 
medicine,  as  through  the  nostrils,  IMechanical  bronchitis  may 
be  produced  by  food  gaining  access  to  the  trachea. 


368  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

Symptoms. — Tlie  disease  begins  with  a  cliillj  soon  followed  by 
febrile  symptoms.  There  will  be  a  hnsky,  dry  cough,  and  the 
animal  will  retain  the  standing  postnre.  The  pulse  is  quickened, 
rhonchus  is  heard  by  auscultation,  and  the  bowels  are  constipated. 
Soon  there  is  a  discharge  from  the  nose;  if  yellow,  it  is  a  favor- 
able symptom. 

Treatment. — The  animal  shoukl  be  made  to  inhale  medicated 
steam,  which  may  be  medicated  with  camphor,  creosote,  or  car- 
bolic acid.  The  steam  facilitates  the  passage  of  the  fluid  from  the 
bronchi.  The  sides  may  be  stimulated  with  mustard  and  water, 
or  stimulating  liniments.  Where  the  cough  is  very  distressing, 
camphor,  belladonna,  and  digitalis,  a  drachm  of  each,  should  be 
given  three  times  a  day.  In  the  primary  stages  of  the  disease,  a 
strong  opiate  may  be  given,  as  opium  tincture,  two  ounces.  If 
the  bowels  are  constipated,  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  should  be  given. 

Bronchitis  may  terminate  in  thick  wind. 

PULMONARY  EMPHYSEMA. 

Asthma,  Broken  Wind,  or  Heaves. — This  is  a  dietetic  dis- 
ease of  a  non-inflammatory  nature,  characterized  by  difficult 
respiration,  and  the  presence  of  a  prolonged  and  deep  cough. 

Cause. — It  is  caused  by  injudicious  feeding,  allowing  the  ani- 
mal to  overload  his  stomach,  feeding  on  dusty  hay,  or  bulky  or 
dusty  food  of  any  kind.  Cold  and  exposure  exercise  some  influ- 
ence in  producing  the  disease,  and  it  may  result  from  an  attack  of 
bronchitis. 

Symptoims. — There  will  be  noticed  a  heaving  of  the  flanks, 
which  will  be  greatly  increased  when  the  animal  is  put  to  severe 
exertion.  This  is  a  peculiar  bellows-like  movement  of  the  flanks. 
The  inspiratory  act  is  performed  regularly  and  easily,  while  the 
expiratory  act  is  difficult,  and  accomplished  in  a  violent  manner. 
Another  well-marked  symptom,  and  all  that  is  necessary  to  diag- 
nose this  condition,  is  a  loud,  deep,  prolonged,  and  sonorous 
cough.  This  cough  is  peculiar  to  broken  wind,  and  will  be  readily 
recognized,  if  ever  once  heardo^ 


DISEASES  OF  THE   KESPIRATOEY  ORGANS.  369 

Teeatmext. — A  permanent  cnre  cannot  be  made  if  the  disease 
has  been  running  any  length  of  time.  The  case  may  be  benefited 
by  treatment,  and  the  symptoms  removed  by  judicious  treatment 
and  proper  food.  I  have  kept  a  number  of  horses  affected  with 
this  disease  going  through  the  driving  season,  without  recurrence 
of  the  symptoms,  by  giving  an  occasional  purgative,  and  feeding 
on  small  and  regular  quantities  of  wet  bran  and  oats,  to  which 
was  added  three  ounces  of  linseed  oil  and  three  ounces  of  lime 
water.  This  was  mixed  with  each  feed  for  several  weeks  at  a 
time.  The  water  was  given  in  measured  quantities,  in  order  that 
the  stomach  should  not  be  overloaded.  Internally  was  given 
calomel,  camphor,  opium  pulverized,  digitalis,  of  each  a  half 
drachm,  made  into  a  bolus  and  given  twice  a  day  for  a  week  at  a 
time;  and  then  arsenious  acid,  grains  two;  sulphate  of  iron,  two 
drachms,  were  substituted.  Drachm  doses  of  nux  vomica  were 
also  given. 

Low  horse  dealers  frequently  administer  lead  pellets,  large 
doses  of  oil,  which,  acting  mechanically,  will  relieve  the  symp- 
toms for  the  time  being.  A  strong  purgative  of  any  sort  will 
relieve  the  symptoms,  as  will  the  reduction  of  food  for  a  few  days. 

LARYNGISMUS  PARALYTICA. 

This  condition  gives  rise  to  roaring,  which  may  be  defined  as 
breathing  with  a  loud  and  unnatural  sound.  It  is  due  to  paralysis 
or  atrophy  of  the  dilator  muscles  of  the  neck.  The  muscles  in- 
volved are  the  crico-arytenoideus,  posticus  and  lateralis,  the 
arytenoideus  and  the  thyro-arytenoideus. 

The  muscles  are  atrophied,  or  paralyzed,  from  various  diseases 
which  affect  the  larynx.  The  loosely  flapping  parts  of  the  larynx 
no  doubt  produce  the  roai'ing  sound.  It  is  an  unsoundness  in  all 
its  stages.  To  detect  a  roarer,  he  must  be  put  to  a  severe  test; 
have  the  animal  galloped  for  some  distance  by  an  assistant,  who 
may  pull  him  up  suddenly  in  front  of  you,  when  wheezing, 
whistling,  or  roaring  may  be  heard  by  placing  the  ear  to  the 
trachea.  If  he  is  a  roarer  he  may  be  heard  at  a  great  distance. 
24 


370  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Wheezing  and  whistling  are  modifications  of  roaring,  and  all  of 
them  are  incurable.  Another  method  of  testing  an  animal  for 
roaring  is  to  have  the  animal  gently  trotted,  after  which  he  is  to 
be  conghed;  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  character  of  the 
congh,  after  which  the  animal  is  to  be  placed  by  a  wall,  his  head 
firmly  held  by  the  attendant.  The  examiner  now  makes  a  feint, 
as  if  to  strike.  The  animal  will  start,  and  emit  the  grunt  peculiar 
to  roarers. 

Treatment. — Give  good  food,  made  free  from  dust  by  damp- 
ening. The  ammoniacal  liniment — viz.,  equal  parts  of  ammonia, 
turpentine,  and  linseed  oil — should  be  applied  to  the  larynx  ex- 
ternally, and  potassium  iodide,  in  three-drachm  doses,  may  be 
used  internally.  The  animal  should  be  put  on  a  course  of  chlo- 
rate of  potash,  which  will  help  to  restore  the  muscles  of  the 
larynx. 

Trachitis. — Inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the 
trachea.  This  may  be  due  to  the  presence  of  a  foreign  body,  or 
may  exist  as  a  complication  of  laryngitis. 

Symptoms. — The  breathing  is  somewhat  difficult,  a  rattling 
sound  may  be  heard  over  the  region  of  the  trachea.  A  nasal  dis- 
charge is  present. 

Treatment. — Clip  the  hair  over  the  course  of  the  trachea  and 
apply  the  ammoniacal  liniment.  Mustard  may  be  applied,  if  the 
liniment  is  not  at  hand.  Potassium  chlorate  and  nitrate  should 
be  used  internally.  If  there  is  much  fever,  aconite,  twenty  drops 
at  a  dose,  may  be  given.  Keep  the  animal  in  a  comfortable  place 
and  give  good  food. 

HAEMOPTYSIS— HEMOUEHAGE  FROM  THE  lUNGS. 

This  is  usually  caused  by  severe  exertion  when  not  in  a  suitable 
condition.  It  is  generally  met  with  in  the  race  horse.  A  ple- 
thoric animal  put  to  extra  exertions  will  sometimes  suffer  hemor- 
rhage. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIRATORY  ORGANS,  371 

Symptoms. — The  blood  flows  from  both  nostrils,  a  cough  is 
present,  a  rattling  or  gurgling  sound  is  heard  over  the  region  of 
the  trachea.  If  the  animal  loses  a  considerable  amount  of  blood, 
there  will  be  blanching  of  the  visible  mucous  membranes  and 
coldness  of  the  extremities. 

Treatment. — If  weak,  give  stimulants,  such  as  alcohol.  Cold 
w^ater  or  ice  should  be  applied  to  the  sides  of  the  chest.  Tincture 
of  perchloride  of  iron,  in  three-drachm  doses,  should  be  given. 
Turpentine  in  ounce  doses  should  be  given.  Gallic  acid  and  opium 
may  be  tried.  The  animal  should  not  be  put  to  any  great  exer- 
tion for  a  long  time  after  hemorrhage  has  taken  place. 

EPISTAXIS— BLEEDING  FROM  THE  NOSE. 

Bleeding  from  the  nose  may  occur  as  a  symptom  of  various  dis- 
eases, or  may  occur  as  a  result  of  an  injury.  The  blood  flows  from 
one  nostril  as  a  rule,  but  may  flow  from  both  nostrils. 

Treatment. — A  solution  of  the  perchloride  of  iron  should  be 
injected  into  the  nostrils.  Alum  may  be  tried.  Plugging  of  one 
nostril  may  be  necessary.  A  string  should  be  tied  to  the  plug  for 
the  purpose  of  removing  it.  Ice  water  should  be  applied  exter- 
nally. 

PHARYNGEAL  POLYPI. 

These  are  occasionally  seen  in  the  pharynx,  having  a  con- 
stricted base.  They  give  rise  to  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils. 
The  animal  may  show  signs  of  suffocation  and  then  recover  in  a 
few  minutes.  The  throat  should  be  examined;  if  the  polypus 
has  A  constricted  base,  its  removal  is  advisable.  If,  on  the  other 
hand,  it  has  a  broad  base,  it  had  1)etter  be  left  alone. 

Osseus  tumors  occur  in  the  nasal  cavity,  and  give  rise  to  dif- 
ficult breathing  as  a  result  of  obstruction. 

Treatment. — Prompt  removal  of  the  growths  by  the  forceps 
or  bone  saw;  they  must  lie  moved  when  accessible. 

Cysts. — Cysts  form  in  connection  with  the  false  nostril,  con- 
taining a  cheesy  matter.  The  cyst  should  be  lanced  and  dressed 
with  carbolic  acid,  one  part  to  forty  of  water. 


872 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEK. 


NASAL  POLYPI. 

These  growths  are  of  a  fibrous  character.    Thej  become  Larger 
and  obstruct  the  air  passages.    If  situated  low  down,  they  can  be 

easily  seen.  They 
should  be  removed 
with  the  ecraseur, 
or  grasped,  at  their 
necks,  with  a  for- 
cejis  and  tmsted  oflF. 

NASAL  GLEET    j 

Is  a  catarrhal  dis- 
ease, characterized 
by  a  defluction  from 
the  nostrils.  It  may 
arise,  however, 
from  other  causes 
than  catarrhal  in- 
flammation, such  as  external  injury  and  disease  of  the  upper 
molars.  It  may  result  from  a  sub-acute  inflammation  of  the 
mucous  membrane  lining  the  nasal  chamber,  or  from  a  neglected 
case  of  simple  catarrh;  by  long  exposure  and  neglect,  or  from 
injury,  or  caries  of  the  teeth.  In  catarrhal  affections  the  lining 
membrane  of  these  sinuses,  by  extension  of  the  inflammation  of 
the  Schneiderian  membrane,  becomes  diseased,  and  pours  out  a 
quantity  of  pus,  which,  lodging  in  the  various  compartments  of 
the  sinuses,  becomes  a  source  of  irritation,  which,  if  not  removed, 
will  cause  absorption  of  the  bony  plate. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  an  irregular  discharge  from  one 
nostril.  The  discharge  at  first  is  white;  after  awhile  it  becomes 
more  yellow  and  adheres  to  the  nostrils.  Percussion  over  the 
region  of  the  sinuses  yields  a  dull,  dead  sound.  The  eye  on  the 
side  that  is  affected  will  look  dim,  the  upper  lid  will  often  droop 
a  little,  and  there  ma^  be  a  rough  appearance  of  the  hair  over  the 


Fig.  98— Nasal  Polypi. 


DISEASES  OF  THE   IIESPIKATORY   OKGANS. 


373 


region  of  the  part  diseased.     The  breath  from  the  nostril  on  the 
diseased  side  may  be  very  offensive,  indicating  diseased  bone. 

Tkeatmekt.- — Phice  the  animal  in  a  comfortable,  loose  box, 
and  give  good  food.  The  nostrils  should  be  kept  clean  by  spong- 
ing. Potassium  iodide,  cup'i  sulphate,  of  each  three  drachms, 
and  add  ten  grains  of  powdered  cantharides.     Iodine  and  iron, 


Fig.  99— Nasal  Gleet  Affecting  Both  Nostrils. 


forming  ferro-iodide,  should  be  given  in  three-drachm  doses  twice 
a  day.  Sulphate  of  iron,  three  drachms;  acid  arsenious,  grains 
five,  given  twice  a  day,  is  highly  thought  of.  J^ux  vomica  in 
drachm  doses  may  be  used.  The  nasal  chambers  should  be  in- 
jected with  carbolic  acid,  two  drachms  to  a  pint  of  water.  Wlien 
pus  accumulates  in  the  sinuses,  the  operation  of  trephining  must 
be  performed.     This  will  recpiire  the  employment  of  a  surgeon. 


374  THE    STOCK    OWJNEK  S    ADVISER. 

The  oijeration  is  very  simple.  The  sinus  should  be  opened  an 
inch  superior  and  posterior  to  the  termination  of  the  zygomatic 
spine.  After  trephining,  the  cavity  should  be  syringed  with  a 
solution  of  carbolic  acid  in  tepid  water.  If  the  turbinated  bones 
are  affected,  the  case  will  be  a  stubborn  one  to  treat. 


XXXI. 

'diseases'of  the  stomach  and  intestines. 

SIMPLE  INDIGESTION. 

Indigestion  is  frequently  met  with,  and  occurs  as  a  result  of 
errors  in  feeding,  or  improper  care  of  the  teeth.  To  remedy 
these  causes  read  carefully  the  chapter  on  Feeding. 

Symptoms. — ^The  animal  falls  off  in  condition,  the  coat  be- 
comes dry  and  dusty  looking;  slight  and  frequent  attacks  of  colic 
may  occur;  the  bowels  are  irregular,  first  constipated,  then  loose. 

ACUTE  INDIGESTION. 

Acute  indigestion  is  a  very  common  and  fatal  disease.     There 


Fig.  100— Acute  ludigeetion. 

is  considerable  distention,  due  to  a  large  quantity  of  food  in  the 
stomach  and  the  evolution  of  gases  arising  from  the  fermentation 

(375)] 


376 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


of  the  food;  the  gases  formed  are  sulphuretted  hydrogen,  carbu- 
retted  hydrogen,  and  carbonic  acid  gas. 

Causes. — It  results  from  over-abund- 
ant food,  greedily  swallowed  and  imper- 
fectly masticated,  or  from  feeding  in 
large  quantities  when  the  stomach  is 
tired  and  weak.  Certain  kinds  of  food 
are  more  likely  to  produce  it  than  others. 
Corn  is  the  most  usual  cause  of  the  dis- 
ease. Wheat  and  barley  will  also  pro- 
duce the  trouble. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  generally 
falls  sick  after  exercising  on  a  full  meal. 
He  becomes  uneasy,  cringes  and  turns 
his  head  to  one  side.  If  forced,  he  may 
go  along  without  showing  much  pain. 
The  severe  pains  come  on  again,  and 
the  abdomen  is  distended  with  gas.  He 
will  roll  from  side  to  side,  and  frequently 
tries  to  balance  himself  on  his  back.  If  there  is  extreme  disten- 
tion, there  will  be  noticed  eructation  of  gas  from  the  stomach 
and  flatus  by  the  anus. 
This  is  a  favorable  symp- 
tom if  it  comes"  away 
freely.  The  animal  gets 
relief  almost  instantly. 
In  cases  likely  to  termi- 
nate unfavorably,  the 
rectum  protrudes  and  is 
irritable.  An  enema 
given  will  not  be  re- 
tained. The  mouth  be- 
comes cold  and  clammy,  Fig.  102— Acute  Indigestion, 
cold  sweats  bedew  the  body,  the  eyes  take  on  an  amaurotic 
stare;    the   animal   walks    about   in   a   semi-unconscious   condi- 


Fig.    101— Acute   Indi- 
gestion.    Balancing 
on  back. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AND    INTESTINES.  377 

tion,  occasionallj  staggering  and  finally  falls  to  the  ground 
and  dies. 

Tkeatment. — Give  as  early  as  possible  eight  drachms  of  aloes. 
Enemas  in  this  affection  are  of  the  greatest  possible  benefit, 
severe  cases  being  sometimes  entirely  relieved  by  enemas  alone. 
In  preparing  the  enema,  enough  soap  should  be  used  to  make  it 
slippery.  A  little  soda  or  turpentine  may  be  added  to  the  first 
enema.  The  soap  should  be  omitted  after  the  second  enema.  In 
cases  of  extreme  distention,  the  animal  must  be  held  so  that  he 
may  not  throw  himself  and  rupture  the  stomach  or  bowels. 

Tincture  of  opium,  two  ounces;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  two 
ounces,  in  a  drench,  should  be  given  to  relieve  pain.  Turpentine 
in  two-ounce  doses  is  preferable  to  the  spirits  of  nitre  in  extreme 
distention.    If  relief  is  not  afforded  ^^^ 

by  the  first  draught  a  second  may       ^KSKj^^^^,^^^ 
be  given  in  thirty  minutes.  ^^B9^^^^^^^^H^ 

Carbonate  of  soda  and  carbonate  ^^^^^^^^^I^^H 
of  ammonia,  of  each  three  ^^B^^HIB^^^^Hf 
drachms,  will  remove  the  gas  and  ^1  ^^Hf 

prevent      further      accumulation.  ■  Jn  ' 

Turpentine,  applied  externally  to      ^^^^^^HMMgaJH^. 
the  abdomen  and  administered  in-    ^[^^^^^^^^^HHPm 
ternally,  is    highly    useful    in    re-         ^^^"^^^^^^^^^^ 
moving   gas.     In   some   few   cases       Fig.  108— Impaction  of  the 
it  becomes  necessary  to   puncture  >.tomach. 

the  bowels  and  allow  the  gas  to  escape.  The  relief  is  almost 
instantaneous,  the  operation  causes  but  little  inconvenience,  and 
is  successful  if  employed  in  time.  Ilypodennic  injections  of 
morphine,  in  tlirec  to  five-grain  doses,  may  be  given  to  allay  pain, 
instead  of  using  the  drench. 

IMPACTION  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Impaction  of  the  stomach  occasionally  takes  place,  caused  by 
feeding  gTeedy  eaters  on  coarse  food,  such  as  coarse  straw  not 
well  cut  used  in  chop  feed. 


378 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


Fig.  104— Nausea. 


Symptoms. — There  may  be  some  gas  present,  but  generally 
there  is  not.     The  animal  paws  and  rolls,  tnms  his  head  to  his 

side;  the  pulse  be- 
comes quick  and 
weak  and,  unless 
relieved,  he  dies. 
Treatment. 
Give  eight  drachms 
of  aloes  in  conjunc- 
tion  with  one 
drachm  of  calomel, 
and  follow  with 
opium  tincture,  two 
ounces;  nitrous 
iether,  two  ounces. 
Enemas  should  be  freely  given.  A  decoction  made  by  boiling 
tobacco,  one  ounce  to  four  pints  of  water,  may  be  used  as  an 
enema.    An  ounce  of  alcohol  may  be  given  as  a  stimulant. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

This   may   occur   as   a   result   of   acute   indigestion    or   may 
occur     from     blows. 

.  Symptoms. 
The  symptoms  of 
this  condition  as  a 
rule,  enable  us  to 
diagnose  with  some 
accuracy,  but  they 
may  be  misleading. 
If  the  animal  vomits, 
turns  around  in  a 
circle,  lies  down  and 


Fig.  105— Rupture  of  tlie  Stomach. 


sits  up  on  his  haunches  like  a  dog,  with  eyes  in  amaurotic  state, 
and  cold  sweats  on  the  body,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that 
rupture  has  taken  place.  Kupture  of  the  stomach  is  invariably 
fatal. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AND    INTESTINES. 


379 


CHUONIC   INDIGESTION 

Is  produced  in  various  ways,  and  is  characterized  by  an  unthrifty 
condition  in  generaL  The  coat  is  diy  and  staring.  The  animal 
may  be  subject  to  slight  attacks  of  colic,  sHglit  diarrhoea,  or  con- 
stipation. The  liver  is  frequently  affected  by  chronic  indiges- 
tion, in  which  case  there  will  be  a  yellowish  tinge  of  all  the 
mucous  membranes.  The  animal  may  have  a  ravenous  appetite, 
and  on  the  following  day  refuse  food. 

Tkeatment. — Give  six  drachms  of  aloes  together  with  a  half 
drachm  of  calomel.  Place  rock  salt  in  the  trough.  Alcohol  in 
its  various  forms  is  beneficial.  Charcoal  may  be  used  with 
benefit,  as  also  bicarbonate  of  soda  in  three-drachm  doses 
three  times  a  day.  He  should  finally  be  put  on  a  course  of  nux 
vomica.  This  should  be  given  in  drachm  doses  of  the  powders 
twice  a  day. 

GASTRITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  stomach  is  generally  caused  by  taking 
medicines  of  an  irritable  character,  as  arsenic  poisoning,  etc. 


Fig.  106 — Inflammation  of  the  Stomach. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  manifests  great  pain,  the  pulse  runs 
down.  The  case  is  difiicult  to  diagnose  in  the  horse,  but  in  the 
dog  the  diagnosis  is  easy. 


380  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — The  cause  of  the  inflammation  should  be  ascer- 
tained. If  found  to  be  due  to  arsenic,  the  hydrated  sesquiocide 
of  iron  should  be  administered.  The  principal  poisons  and  their 
antidotes  will  be  given'  in  future  pages  of  this  work.  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  stomach  is  invariably  caused  by  some  irritating  poison, 

SPASMODIC  COLIC. 

Spasmodic  colic,  or  spasm  of  the  intestines,  is  the  most  com- 
mon of  all  bowel  diseases.  It  is  known  as  gripes,  belly  ache,  etc. 
It  consists  of  a  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  muscular  coats  of 
the  intestines,  which  may  ultimately  end  in  inflammation. 

Causes. — It  is  due  to  improper  food,  sudden  changes  of  diet, 
exhaustion  from  over-work,  large  draughts  of  cold  water  when 
heated  or  fatig;ucd,  or  a  combination  of  them  all.    Sudden  change 


Fig.  107— Spasmodic  Colic.     Early  stage  of  the  disease. 

in  temperature  is  said  to  produce  it.    It  is  seldom  fatal,  and  never 
of  very  long  duration,  if  treated. 

Symptoms. — Spasmodic  colic  usually  affects  the  small  intes- 
tines. When  it  is  purely  intestinal,  the  symptoms  are  sudden 
pain,  pawing,  rolling,  and  struggling  in  many  ways,  then  rising, 
shaking  himself,  and  being  almost  free  from  pain  for  awhile. 
After  taking  a  little  food,  the  animal  may  begin  to  twinge,  draw 
himself  to  one  side,  look  at  his  side,  whisk  his  tail,  stamp  and 
j^aw.  He  rolls  and  tumbles,  suffering  greater  agony  than  from 
the  first  spasm.  The  spasms  soon  become  more  frequent  and  in- 
tense. The  animal  makes  frequent  attempts  to  urinate;  this  often 
leads  people  who  do  not  understand  the  nature  of  the  disease  to 
believe  that  the  cause  of  pain  is  due  to  inability  to  urinate.     The 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AND    INTESTINES. 


381 


neck  of  the  bladder  is  spasmodicaJly  contracted  and  prevents  the 
urine  from  passing;  but  when  the  spasms  are  relieved,  he  will  lie 
quiet  for  some  time,  get  up  finally,  shake  himself,  stretch  out, 


Fig.  108— Spasmodic  Colic.     ShowiDg  tirst  symptoms. 

and  urinate  freely.  "When  this  takes  place  it  is  evidence  that  the 
spasmodic  contractions  of  the  muscular  fibers  of  the  intestines 
have  relaxed,  and  the  animal  is  freed  from  pain.     The  animal 


Fig.  109— Spasmodic  Colic.     Becoming  severe  and  aggravated. 

usually  takes  a  little  food  between  the  paroxysms,  but  finally 
they  may  be  so  severe  that  he  will  not  notice  food.     When  the 


382  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

paroxysm  comes  on,  he  turns  roimd  three  or  four  times  before 
lying  down.  When  down  he  may  try  to  balance  himself  on  his 
back,  and  may  kick  viciously  at  his  abdomen.  In  cases  termi- 
nating favorably  the  spasms  become  less  frequent  and  less  severe. 
In  fatal  cases  the  paroxysms  become  longer  and  more  violent,  and 
ultimately  terminate  in  death. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  very  satisfactory  if  adopted  in 
time.  Eight  drachms  of  aloes  or  one  quart  of  linseed  oil  should 
be  administered  at  once,  followed  by  opium  tinct.,  ounces  two; 
aether  nitrice,  ounces  two.  The  employment  of  this  treatment, 
together  with  enemas,  is  all  that  is  required. 

The  subcutaneous  injections  of  morphine  are  ver}^  effectual, 
and  act  in  from  seven  to  ten  minutes.  Chloroform,  chloral 
hydrate,  sulphuric  aether,  and  belladonna  are  useful  in  relieving 
pain.  Two  or  three  drachms  of  chloroform  may  be  combined 
with  the  tincture  of  opium,  or  an  ounce  of  the  tincture  of  opium, 
one  ounce  of  sulphuric  aether,  two  drachms  of  chloroform,  to  a 
pint  of  water  may  be  given.  Chloral  hydrate  may  be  given  in 
two-ounce  doses. 

The  abdomen  externally  should  be  bathed  with  mustard  and 
ammonia,  or  mustard  and  water.  A  diffusible  stimulant,  as  good 
old  rye  whiskey,  may  expel  a  light  attack. 

IMPACTION  OF  THE  COLON. 

This  is  due  to  feeding  on  rough,  coarse  feed,  such  as  straw  cut 
long  for  mixing  in  chop  feed. 

The  symptoms,  aside  from  those  of  abdominal  pain,  are  a  ten- 
dency on  the  part  of  the  animal  to  push  backwards,  to  press  the 
tail  against  a  solid  object,  to  resist,  by  straining,  the  introduction 
of  the  hand  and  enemas  into  the  rectum.  In  some  cases  the  hard 
and  impacted  mass  can  be  felt  by  introducing  the  hand  into  the 
rectum.  The  stomach  and  small  intestines  are  usually  found  to 
be  more  or  less  emptied  of  alimentary  matter,  or  containing  large 
quantities  of  fluid;  the  large  intestines  are  distended  with  a  mass 
of  hardened  material,  the  mucous  membrane  highly  congested, 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AND    INTESTINES. 


383 


and  sometimes  caked  to  the  iseces.     Eupture  of  the  colon  some- 
times takes  place  from  the  extreme  distension. 

Purgatives  should  not  be  pushed  too  strong  for  several  days, 
but  all  the  mild  purgatives  should  be  tried.  If  these  fail,  then  it 
becomes  necessaiy  to  employ  more  powerful  remedies;  but  these 


Fig.  110 — Impaction  of  the  Colon. 


should  not  be  used  under  five  or  six  days, 
pine  should  then  be  used  hypodermically. 


Eserine  and  piloca^^ 


HAEMORRHOIDS,  OR  PILES. 

The  horse  seldom  suffers  from  piles,  but  the  dog  frequently  is 
thus  affected.  There  is,  at  first,  congestion  of  the  mucous  mem- 
brane at  the  verge  of  the  anus,  and  subsequently  dilatation  of  the 
haemorrhoidal  veins,  fomiing  small  tumors.  These  sometimes 
protrude,  and  bleed  frequently.  The  diagnostic  symptoms  of 
piles  are  switching  of  the  tail,  and  a  tendency  to  rub  it  against  the 
wall,  pain  during  the  act  of  defacation,  and  the  faeces  are  tinged 
with  blood.    Examination  of  the  anus  will  reveal  the  presence  of 


384 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


vascular  tumors,  aud  uiuch  congestion  and  swelling  of  the  mucous 
membrane  of  the  skin. 

Treat:mext, — The  cause  is  due  to  some  obstruction  of  the 
portal  circulation,  constipation,  or  the  retention  of  hardened 
fa?ces  in  the  rectum.  Hence,  give  enemas  and  allow  a  restricted 
diet.  A  laxati'S'e  should  be  given,  as  a  pint  of  linseed  oih  An 
ointment,  consisting  of  equal  parts  of  oak  galls  and  hog's  lard, 
should  be  applied  to  the  parts;  the  benzoate  of  zinc  ointment  is 
also  a  useful  application. 

IMPERFORATE  ANUS. 

A  congenital  malformation  met  with  in  all  the  domesticated 
animals,  particularly'  in  the  pig.  The  intestine  should  be  punc- 
tured and  an  artificial  anus  formed. 


ENTERITIS. 

This  is,  undoubtedly,  the  most  rapidly  fatal  inflammatory  dis- 
ease to  which  the  horse  is  liable.  It  often  destroys  life  in  the 
course  of  a  few  hours.     As  a  rule,  the  inflammation  begins  in  the 

mucous  coat,  and  grad- 
ually extends  to  and  in- 
volves the  outer  coats.  A 
variety  of  causes  have 
been  assigned  for  enteri- 
tis, but  the  only  recog- 
nizable causes  are  over- 
fatigue, cold  from  expo- 
sure or  from  washing  with 
cold  water  while  the 
animal  is  heated.  Superpurgation,  irritating  medicines,  foreign 
substances,  putrid  waters,  drinking  cold  water  when  the  animal 
is  heated,  may  cause  it.  It  is  seldom  that  a  horse  lives  twenty- 
four  hours  after  the  first  appearance  of  the  disease.  Mortification 
often  takes  place  in  three  or  four  hours. 


Fig.  Ill — Inflammation  of  the  Bowels. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AXD    INTESTINES. 


3S5 


Symptoms. — The  first  symptoms  are  those  of  bowel  trouble. 
The  animal  may  appear  dull  for  a  day  or  two,  when  well-marked 
symptoms  will  be  umnifested.     This  dullness  may  not  be  noticed 

in  some  cases,  the  first 
-ymptom  to  attract  atten- 
lion  being  slight  colicky 
pains.  The  animal  paws 
continually  first  with  one 
loot  and  then  the  other. 
If  allowed  to  paw  in  dirt, 
lie  \\i\\  dig  a  hole  large 
L'uough  to  bury  himself, 
lie  may  cringe  and  look 
at  his  side.  The  pulse  is 
hard,  wiry,  and  somewhat 
quickened.  The  belly  be- 
Fig.  112-Tlie  slow,  careful,  and  hesitat-  ^o^es  tender  on  pressure, 
ing  manner  of  getting  down  in  As  the  disease  progresses, 

Inflammation  of  Bowels.  j^    becomes   as   violent   as 

colic.  The  animal  lies  down  more  carefully  than  in  colic, 
may  walk  in  a  circle  four  or  five  times  before  lying,  and 
when  he  does  lie 
down  ho  ddcs  so  with 
great  care.  AVhen 
down,  ho  will  use 
every  effort  to  prc- 
V  e  n  t  the  a])domen 
c  o  m  i  n  g  in  contact 
with  the  g  ro  u  n  d. 
Pressure  upon  the 
abdomen  calls  forth 
expressions  of  pain. 
There  is  a  peculiar  sighing  breathing,  and  the  pulse  runs  .up 
from  80  to  120  beats.  The  face  has  a  haggard  expression, 
the  eye  becomes  blood-shot  and  of  a  glassy  appearance.  Cold 
25 


Fig.    113— Careful   and    Easy   Rolling    in 
Inflanuuation  of  the  Bowels. 


386  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 

sweats  bedew  the  body,  the  belly  becomes  tympanitic  and 
trembles  incessantly;  the  legs,  mouth,  and  ears  are  cold  and 
the  breath  fetid,  the  lips  pendulous,  and  the  eye  becomes  more 
glassy.  Gangrene  sets  in,  the  animal  becomes  quieter,  wanders 
about  in  an  unconscious  condition,  until,  after  a  short  interval, 
death  closes  the  scene.  If  the  symptoms  abate  in  three  or  four 
hours  after  the  attack,  a  favorable  termination  may  be  looked  for. 
This,  however,  can  scarcely  be  expected. 

Treatment. — The  first  and  most  important  step  in  the  treat- 
ment is  the  administration  of  pow^dered  opium;  one,  two,  and 
even  three  drachms  may  be  given  in  this  case,  succeeded  by 
smaller  doses.  Subcutaneous  injections  of  morphine,  in  five- 
grain  doses,  may  be  used.  The  tincture  of  belladonna  in  drachm 
doses  may  be  administered  every  four  hours.  Hot  fomentations 
should  be  applied  to  the  abdomen,  as  flannels  dipped  into  boiling- 
water  and  rinsed  out.  Place  dry  cloths  over  this.  Mustard 
applications  are  beneficial.  Tincture  of  aconite,  in  twenty-drop 
doses,  should  be  given.  Stimulants  may  be  tried  and  their  effects 
watched.  In  some  cases  they  do  harm,  and  in  other  cases  they 
are  of  benefit.  If  the  appetite  returns  the  liquid  should  be  used 
for  some  time. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhoea  is  the  term  applied  to  all  cases  of  simple  purging  in 
which  the  faeces  are  loose,  liquid,  and  frequently  discharged 
without  any  coexisting  inflammation. 

Causes. — A  variety  of  causes  produce  diarrhoea,  as  rich  food 
or  sudden  changes  of  diet;  medicinal  substances,  derangement  of 
the  liver  or  digestive  organs,  grazing  on  poor,  sandy  pastures; 
violent  exercise,  and  such  foods  as  raw  potatoes  or  frozen  roots, 
as  carrots  and  turnips.  It  may  be  induced  by  an  effort  of  nature 
to  discharge  from  the  intestines  something  which  is  obnoxious. 
Or  it  may  occur  as  the  breaking  up  of  diseases.  In  such  cases  it 
should  not  be  checked.  Some  horses  are  particularly  prone  to 
diarrhoea,  such  as  highly  nervous  and  long  coupled  horses.    Such 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    AXD    INTESTINES.  387 

horses  start  well  on  a  journey,  but  before  they  have  gone  any 
great  distance,  commence  to  purge  more  or  less  freely.  Such 
horses  are  hard  to  keep  in  condition. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  diarrhoea  are  the  passing  of  an 
undue  amount  of  liquid  f?eces.  Slight  griping  pains  may  be 
manifested  by  the  animal.  The  pulse  becomes  quickened,  the 
animal  weakens,  and  the  extremities  are  colder  than  natural. 
Excessive  thirst  is  manifested,  and  the  animal  is  off  his  feed.  If 
it  be  not  checked  it  nuiv  terminate  in  enteritis,  or  farcy  and 
glanders  may  supervene. 

Treatment. — Endeavor  to  find  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  If 
due  to  an  irritant,  it  is  not  safe  to  check  it  thoroughly;  and  on  the 
other  hand,  if  there  is  great  weakness  and  prostration,  it  must  be 
checked  as  soon  as  possible.  "Where  nature  is  throwing  off  some 
offending  matter,  it  must  be  assisted  by  a  dose  of  linseed  oil  or 
castor  oil.  If  there  is  prostration  from  undue  passage  of  liquid 
faeces,  it  must  be  checked  by  giving  opiates.  The  powdered 
opium  should  be  given  in  drachm  doses  three  or  four  times  a  day. 
"Where  the  animal  is  not  too  weak,  I  think  it  best  to  administer  a 
pint  of  oil.  In  cases  where  great  weakness  is  noticed,  it  becomes 
necessary'  to  check  it  at  once  by  giving  opiates  as  above  men- 
tioned. Boiled  starch  or  flour  gruel  may  be  allowed  the  animal 
to  drink,  and  the  food  should  be  of  the  best  kind.  If  there  be 
much  fetor  the  hyposulphite  of  soda  may  be  given  in  the  feed  in 
one-half  ounce  doses.  Catechu  and  powdered  chalk  are  highly 
beneficial.  Prof.  Smith  recommends  the  use  of  catechu,  a  half 
ounce  to  an  ounce;  gentian,  two  drachms;  ginger  two  drachms, 
and  repeat  in  twelve  or  eighteen  hours.  Oil  of  turpentine,  one 
ounce;  opium,  one  drachm,  beaten  up  with  two  or  three  eggs,  is 
a  good  remedy.  The  intense  thirst  should  not  be  gratified,  and 
the  animal  should  be  allowed  to  drink  only  small  quantities  at 
a  time. 

DIARRHOEA  IN  FOALS. 

This  is  a  common  occurrence  when  they  are  only  three  or  four 
days  to  two  or  three  weeks  old.     It  is  generally  caused  by  some 


388 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


altered  condition  of  the  mother's  milk.  It  may  be  caused  by  cold, 
exposure,  or  fatigue,  often  by  the  foal  receiving  milk  other  than 
that  of  the  mother,  as  skimmed  milk. 

Symptojis. — The  symptoms  are  similar  to  diarrhoea  in  the 
adult.  The  fgeces  are  liquid,  of  a  yellowish-white  color,  and 
usually  mixed  with  lumps.  The  colt  falls  off  in  condition,  be- 
comes weak  and  hide-bound,  the  belly  is  tucked  up,  and  he  stag- 
g^n  in  his  gait.     If  not  quickly  relieved  it  dies. 


Fig.  114— Dysentery. 

Treatment. — If  the  colt  is  a  good,  strong  one,  castor  oil,  two 
ounces,  and  opium,  twenty  grains,  may  be  administered.  An 
ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash,  one  ounce  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  in  a 
drench  should  be  given  the  mother.  Lime  water  may  be  used 
with  good  results. 

DYSENTERY. 

The  horse  is  not  so  liable  to  dysentery  as  Is  the  cow  and  dog. 
The  disease  may  result  from  some  other  disease,  or  may  occur  as 
an  independent  affection.  The  presence  of  irritants  in  the  intes- 
tinal canal  will  produce  it. 

Symptoms. — The  fneces  are  of  a  liquid  character,  tinged  with 
blood.     It  mav  contain  shreds  of  mucous  membrane.     There  is 


DISEASES    OF    THE    STOMACH    A^D    INTESTINES.  389 

nmcli  straining,  and  tlic  rectnni  and  anns  are  irritable  and  in- 
flamed. AVitli  the  liquid  fa?ces  there  may  be  hardened  pellets, 
mixed  Avitli  blood.  There  will  be  abdominal  pain,  great  dullness, 
thirst,  and  rapid  emaciation. 

Treatment. — A  pint  of  linseed  oil  should  be  administered, 
followed  by  opium  and  chalk,  in  similar  quantities  as  recom- 
mended in  the  treatment  of  diarrhoea.  Such  stimulants  as  ale, 
beer,  and  whiskey  may  be  used.  •  Should  these  not  succeed, 
styptics,  as  the  oil  of  turpentine,  or  astringents,  as  tannic  acid, 
alum,  or  the  chloride  of  iron,  may  be  used  in  three-drachm  doses 
three  times  a  day.  The  strictest  attention  should  be  paid  to  the 
diet.  When  the  disease  becomes  of  a  chronic  nature,  cod-liver 
oil  and  eggs  mixed  should  be  administered.  Four  or  five  ounces 
of  this  may  be  given  in  a  day. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation  is  a  symptom  of  disease.  It  consists  of  an  undue 
accumulation  of  faeces,  and  may  be  due  to  too  great  or  rapid 
absorption  of  the  fluids  of  the  intestinal  canal,  as  seen  in  febrile 
disorders.  It  is  a  symptom  of  liver  and  intestinal  disorders.  The 
kind  of  food  may  exercise  some  influence  in  producing  constipa- 
tion. 

SvMPTOMS. — The  fa:>ces  are  passed  in  hard  pellets,  and  are 
coated  with  mucous.  Abdominal  pain  is  present.  The  animal 
paws  and  rolls,  but  not  in  as  violent  a  manner  as  in  colic.  The 
faeces  generally  accumulate  in  the  colon,  giving  rise  to  impaction 
of  that  portion  of  the  bowel,  as  previously  described. 

Treatment.- — See  Impaction  of  the  Colon. 

INTESTINAL  CONCRETIONS 

Are  found  in  the  large  intestines.  They  consist  of  masses  of  hard 
material,  round  in  shape,  formed  of  salts  of  lime  and  magnesia. 
If  a  section  be  made  of  the  calculus,  it  will  be  found  to  consist 
of  layers  arranged  around  a  nucleus,  generally  consisting  of  a 
piece  of  iron  or  pebble.     They  are  found  most  frequently  in  ani- 


390  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER, 

iiials  fed  on  the  sweepings  of  flour  mills.  Sometimes  calculi  of 
enonnous  dimensions  have  been  removed  hy  the  aid  of  enemas 
and  tlie  animal  recover.  Balls,  composed  of  hair,  are  frequently 
seen  in  cows  and  pigs;  in  cows,  they  result  from  the  animal's  lick- 
ing itself. 

Symptoms. — There  are  no  diagnostic  signs  beyond  those  of 
violent  abdominal  pain.  AVe  may,  however,  judge  pretty  accu- 
rately b}'  recurrent  attacks  of  colic,  immovable  obstruction,  etc. 

Treatment. — AVliere  a  calculus  is  suspected,  an  examination 
must  be  made  per  rectum.     The  arm  should  be  well  greased  and 


Fig.  115 — Intussusception. 

passed  as  far  as  possible  into  the  canal,  where  it  is  possible  that 
the  calculus  may  be  felt;  if  found,  it  should  be  grasped  and  re- 
moved. 

INTESTINAL  TUMORS. 

Tumors  of  various  sizes  are  found  in  the  intestines.  If  large, 
they  obstruct  the  passage,  and  death  ensues.  They  are  not  fre- 
quent. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION. 

Bj  intussusception  is  meant  the  slipping  of  a  portion  or  whole 
of  a  bowel  into  the  cavity  of  another  bowel.  This  is  rarely  met 
with,  but  M'hen  it  occurs  it  u?;ually  results  in  death. 


DISEASES     OF     THE     STOMACH     AND     INTESTINES.  391 

Symptoms. — The  syiiiptonis  are  those  of  enteritis  and  obstinate 
constipation. 

Treatment  of  intussusception  is  by  administration  of  opium, 
two  ounces,  to  relieve  pain. 

VOLVULUS,  OR  TWISTED  BOWEL. 

This  is  caused  by  a  portion  of  the  intestine  becoming  twisted 
in  some  way  or  other.  There  is  no  possible  way  of  diagnosing 
this  trouble  in  the  horse.  The  correct  nature  of  the  trouble  can 
never  be  ascertained  except  by  a  post-mortem.  The  symptoms 
are  those  of  enteritis  and  colic. 

ASCITES,  OR  DROPSY  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

This  consists  of  a  collection  of  fluid  in  the  peritoneal  sac  of  a 
serous  nature.  It  results  from  diseases  of  the  liver  principally, 
but  may  result  from  other  diseases. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  noticed  an  enlarged  condition  of 
the  belly,  which  fluctuates,  and  gives  off  a  dull  sound  on  per- 
cussion. 

Treatment. — ;When  the  trouble  is  due  to  organic  disease  of 
the  liver,  heart,  or  other  organs,  a  cure  cannot  be  made.  The 
operation  of  paracentesis  abdominis,  or  tapping,  may  be  resorted 
to,  but  generally  it  only  gives  temporary  relief. 


xxxn. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

Encephalitis,  or  inflammation  of  the  brain,  is  freqnently  met 
with  in  some  localities. 

Causes. — It  occurs  as  a  result  of  an  injury;  in  other  cases  it 
can  be  traced  to  the  food  or  Avater.  It  may  result  from  feeding 
on  over-ripe  grasses  or  on  roots  that  have  lain  in  the  cellar  all 
winter,  or  from  eating  narcotic  weeds  and  plants.  The  feeding 
of  over-ripe  rye  grasses  in  Great  Britain  frequently  produces 
brain  diseases.    It  may  also  be  due  to  tumors. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  is  dullness;  the  animal  falls 
asleep  while  standing,  and  may  nod  the  head.  The  pulse  is 
slower,  the  urine  is  scant;  he  walks  with  a  staggering  gait;  looks 
excited;  thriists  his  head  against  the  manger  and  presses  it  there 
for  some  time.  He  moves  the  limbs  automatically,  rears  and 
falls,  gets  up  and  may  put  his  feet  in  the  manger,  and  elevate 
the  head. high  up  into  the  rack.  There  are  often  seen  twitchings 
of  the  muscles  of  the  neck,  the  eyes  become  blood-shot,  the 
breathing  stertorous,  and  sometimes  there  is  frantic  effort  to 
climb  over  the  stall.  In  some  cases  the  animal  walks  in  a  circle, 
and  no  persuasion  or  force  will  induce  him  to  move  otherwise. 

Treat:ment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  combined  with 
one  drachm  of  calomel.  The  cow  should  be  given  twenty  ounces 
of  sulphate  of  magnesia  and  fifteen  croton  beans.  .The  animal 
should  have  plenty  of  water  to  drink,  and  the  head  should  be 
bathed  with  cold  water,  or  pounded  ice  in  a  bag  may  be  applied 
to  the  head.  Belladonna  in  two-drachm  doses  may  be  given,  and 
is  usually  attended  with  good  results.  Bromide  of  potassium,  in 
three-drachm  doses,  should  be  given  every  three  hours,  along 

(  392  ) 


DISEASES    OF   THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  393 

with  the  belladonna.  When  the  bowels  act  freely  there  is  hope 
of  recovery.  If  the  patient  is  lying  down,  he  should  be  padded 
np  and  his  comfort  attended  to.  If  cold  sweats  break  out,  and 
the  eye  becomes  amaurotic,  death  will  soon  follow.  The  prog- 
nosis of  this  disease,  as  a  rule,  is  unfavorable. 

SUNSTROKE. 

Sunstroke  is  of  very  frequent  occurrence  in  large  cities,  and 
especially  in  our  large  cities  of  the  South.  It  is  a  greater  or  less 
congestion  of  the  brain,  with  loss  of  sensation  and  voluntary 
motion. 

Causes. — Excessive  heat  is  the  important  causative  agent,  but 
other  circumstances  co-operate,  such  as  muscular  exertion,  un- 
duly severe  and  prolonged.  High  feeding  on  highly  stimulating 
food,  irregular  exercise,  an  insufficient  supply  of  water,  and 
badly  ventilated  stables,  are  predisposing  conditions.  Debility 
is  also  a  predisposing  cause.  The  horse  is  not  always  attacked 
wliile  exposed  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  The  attack  may 
come  after  he  has  returned  to  the  stable;  generally  it  takes  place 
when  the  heat  of  the  day  is  at  its  maximum,  between  noon  and 
6  P.  M. 

Symptoms. — Generally,  before  the  trouble  becomes  well 
marked — that  is,  before  the  acute  stages  are  reached — certain 
premonitory  symptoms  are  observed,  such  as  an  unusual  dullness 
and  languor  on  the  part  of  the  animal.  As  a  rule,  he  does  not 
perspire  as  he  should  when  put  to  exertion;  there  is  dryness  of 
the  skin,  with  increased  temperature.  These  premonitory  symp- 
toms may  be  shown  for  thi'ee  or  four  dnys.  In  severe  cases,  the 
patient  usually  passes  (piichly  into  the  comatose  state;  falls,  and 
when  down  extends  the  head.  The  pupil  in  some  cases  is  dilated, 
in  some  contracted,  in  some  normal,  but  the  respondency  to  light 
is  lessened  or  lost.  There  may  bo  contractiou  and  dilatntion  at 
different  jioriods  in  the  same  case,  an  niuaurofic  stare,  and  loss  of 
vision.      The  pulse  may  be  unfrequent  at  first,  as  in  cases  of 


394 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


apoplexy,  but  it  often  becomes  frequent  and  feeble  toward  the 
fatal  termination.  The  respirations  are  sometimes  stertorous,  in 
other  eases  suspiroiis,  and  accompanied  by  sighing  or  moaning. 
In  most  cases  the  temj>eratiire  of  the  body  is  notably  raised.  If 
the  breathing  be  stertorous,  with  deep  coma,  sighing  or  grunt- 
ing, the  prognosis  is  extremely  unfavorable.     Great  feebleness, 


Fig.  116— Icing  in  Sunstroke— the  horse  in  a  comatose  state. 

relaxation  of  the  sphincters,  tracheal  rales,  and  complete  immo- 
bility, are  forerunners  of  a  fatal  termination;  convulsions  are 
extremely  unfavorable. 

Treatment. — If  the  patient  emerges  from  the  comatose  state, 
convalescence  is  usually  speedy.  The  treatment  is  to  be  adapted 
to  the  pathological  character  of  the  affection,  as  represented  by 
the  symptoms  in  individual  cases.  Pursuing  this  course,  thera- 
peutical measures,  so  far  from  being  the  same,  will  be  diametri- 
cally opposite  in  different  cases.    In  cases  of  nervous  exhaustion, 


DISEASES    OF   THE    NERVOtTS    SYSTEM. 


395 


there  is  danger  of  deatli  from  asthenia  or  syncope.  Complete 
rest  is  of  the  first  importance.  Alcoholic  stimulants,  in  onnce 
doses,  should  he  given,  if  there  he  power  of  swallowing.  If  the 
power  of  swallowing  is  gone,  alcoholic  stimulants  should  he 
given  l)v  enema.  Pounded  ice,  in  a  sack,  should  he  applied  to 
the  head.  In  some  cases  the  hody  should  be  kept  warm.  The 
patient  should  be  placed  in  an  atmosphere  as  comfortable,  cool 


Fig.  117 — The  horse  conscioue,  a^ssisted  to  hia  feet  preparatory 
to  moving  to  the  hospital. 

and  pure  as  possible.  If  the  aniauil  is  lying  exposed  to  the  rays 
of  the  sun,  an  awning  should  be  erected  over  him.  Hub  the 
extremities  and  body  vigorously,  and  use  hot  applications  on  the 
extremities.  If  the  surface  be  hot  and  dry,  the  body  should  bo 
sponged  witli  spirits  and  water  or  rubbed  with  ice  and  sprayed 
with  ice  water;  but  this  sliould  not  bo  kept  up  after  the  rectal 
temperature  has  fallen  below  104  or  10r>°  F.  If  the  treatment 
is  kept  up  after  the  temj)erature  has  fallen  below  104°  F.,  the 
fall  is  apt  to  be  too  rapid  and  great.     The  hypodermic  injection 


396 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


of  ether  is  higlily  recommended  by  Prof.  Smith,  and  I  have  used 
it  with  good  results.  If  the  animal  shows  signs  of  returning  con- 
sciousness, there  is  hope  of  recovery;  if  he  wishes  to  drink  give 
him  pure  cold  water.  If  he  recovers  sufficiently  to  get  on  his 
feet,  he  will  go  struggling  along  from  side  to  side  when  he  at- 
tempts to  walk,  and  it  may  be  necessary  to  place  him  in  slings. 
Give  a  small  dose  of  purgative  medicine.  Cold  application  to 
the  head  is  important  in  proportion  as  the  cerebral  congestion 


Fig.  118— Result  of  a  case  of  Sunstroke  suffering  too  long  before 
receiving  treatment. 


predominates.  When  the  circulation  is  feeble  stimulants  are 
needed.  If  the  animal  is  found  lying  in  a  comatose  state,  it 
should  be  treated  on  the  spot.  There  are  reasons  to  believe  that 
many  cases  which  terminate  fatally  would  otherwise  have  ended 
in  recovery  but  for  the  necessity  of  moving  the  animals  to  sta- 
bles or  infirmaries  and  delay  in  obtaining  medical  aid.  Bromide 
of  potassium  may  be  given.  The  horse  should  be  kept  in  posi- 
tion on  the  sternum  by  sacks  of  straw  wedged  under  the  shoulder. 
All  air  possible  should  be  given,  and  curiosity  seekers  should  not 
be  allowed  to  obstruct  its  passage. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    ^"EliVOUS    SYSTEM. 


397 


CONCUSSION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

Concussion  of  the  brain  is  usually  caused  by  the  horse  run- 
ning away  and  striking-  his  head  against  some  hard  object,  or 
rearing  and  falling  backwards  and  fracturing  the  basilar  process 
of  the  occipital  bone.  Concussion  is  due  to  an  injury  on  the 
head  in  various  ways. 

Symptoms. — In  concussion  of  the  brain,  complete  loss  of 
motor  power  and  sensibility  takes  place.     The  pupil  of  the  eye 


Fig.  119 — Concussion  of  ti^e  Brain.     Showing  mechanical  conges- 
tion from  hanging  the  head  to  the  extent  of  rendering  the 
animal  unable  to  lift  the  enlarged  head. 

is  dilated,  the  pulse  indistinct;  the  temperature  of  the  body 
lower  than  in  health;  the  breathing  is  stertorous,  and  the  animal 
totally  unconscious.  In  a  few  hours  consciousness  may  return, 
when  he  will  make  an  effort  to  rise,  getting  up  with  his  forelegs 
under  him  like  a  cow,  hind  legs  first.  If  the  pulse  is  strong, 
recovery  may  l)e  expected. 

TiiKATMENT. — Apply  cold  applications  to  the  head  and  warm 
applications  to  the  body  and  extremities.  Prop  the  patient  up 
on  his  sternum,  or  sling  him.  dive  stimulants  and  enemas. 
Sometimes  the  patient  will  hang  its  head  persistently  until  me- 


398  THE    STOCK    OWIS'Er's    ADVISER. 

ehanical  congestion  of  the  lips  take  place.      They  should  be 
scarified  and  bathed,  and  the  head  elevated  byaneans  of  a  sling. 

EPILEPSY. 

This  disease  is  seldom  seen  in  the  horse,  but  frequently  in  the 
dog.  It  is  characterized  by  complete  loss  of  consciousness  for  a 
short  time,  with  spasmodic  contraction  of  the  muscles.  In  young 
dogs  epileptic  fits  are  associated  with  dentition  and  worms  in  the 
intestinal  canal  or  stomach. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  in  apparent  health  is  seen  to  stagger 
and  stare,  then  fall  in  a  convulsive  fit  and  froth  at  the  mouth. 
The  attack  lasts  three  or  four  minutes,  after  which  he  gets  up, 
walks  about  in  a  dull  manner,  but  soon  recovers. 

Treatment. — In  treating  this  affection  the  bromide  of  potash, 
in  half-ounce  doses,  should  be  given.  A  purgative  should  be  ad- 
ministered, as  six  drachms  of  aloes.  If  teething  is  the  cause, 
the  offending  teeth  should  be  extracted.  If  due  to  worms  in  the 
stomach  or  intestines  a  vermifuge  should  be  given.  The  con- 
dition will  be  dealt  with  more  fully  in  the  chapter  on  dogs. 

VERTIGO. 

This  condition  is  due  to  some  lesion  of  the  brain.  It  may  be 
due  to  temporary  congestion,  to  cerebral  tumors,  or  anything 
that  interferes  with  the  flow^  of  blood  to  or  from  the  brain. 
Gastric  derangement  will  cause  it.  Over-study  causes  the  con- 
dition in  man. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  usually  stops  while  being  driven, 
elevates  the  head,  staggers  and  falls,  lies  thus  awhile,  and  in  a 
short  time  gets  up,  shakes  himself,  and  appears  to  be  all  right. 

Treatment. — Give  six  drachms  of  aloes,  and  follow  with 
half-ounce  doses  of  the  bromide  of  potash  every  four  hours. 
Some  animals  subject  to  this  trouble  are  extremely  dangerous. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  399 

APOPLEXY. 

"Apoplexy  is  a  disease  characterized  by  sudden  loss,  more  or 
less  complete,  of  volition,  perception,  sensation,  and  motion,  de- 
pending on  sudden  pressure  upon  the  brain  (the  tissues  of  which 
may  be  morbid),  originating  within  the  cranium."      (Aithin.) 

It  is  due  to  arrest  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood  in  the  brain, 
and  there  may  possibly  be  rupture  of  some  of  the  small  blood 
vessels  of  the  part  and  extravasation  of  blood.  It  is  seen  in  all 
animals. 

Symptoms. — There  may  be  some  premonitory  symptoms,  su«h 
as  staggering  and  partial  paralysis.  Soon  the  animal  will  fall 
and  lie  in  an  unconscious  condition,  without  the  power  of  motion. 
The  eyes  are  wide  open,  presenting  a  ghastly  stare.  The  breath- 
ing is  stertorous,  the  body  cold,  the  pulse  small.  In  some  cases 
the  animal  retains  the  power  of  muscular  movements,  and  fights 
convulsively.     These  symptoms  may  alternate  with  quietude. 

Treatment. — Give  several  doses  of  the  hyposulphite  of  soda, 
half-ounce  doses,  every  four  hours.  Apply  ice  to  the  head,  and 
bleeding  may  be  beneficial.  Bromide  of  potash  in  half-ounce 
doses  should  be  given. 

Apoplexy  affecting  the  cow  will  be  given  in  chapter  on  dis- 
eases of  the  ox. 

TETANUS,  OR  LOCKJAW. 

Tetanus  is  a  common  disease  in  certain  localities.  There  are 
some  parts  of  the  United  States  where  tetanus  is  almost  un- 
known, but  in  other  localities  it  is  frequently  seen  at  all  times 
of  the  year.  It  is  seen  mostly  during  the  months  of  August  aud 
Septemlier,  and  frequently  takes  an  epizootic  form.  The  disease 
is  characterized  by  tonic  contraction  of  the  voluntary  muscles. 
The  variety  known  as  trismus,  or  lockjaw,  is  characterized  by 
contraction  of  the  muscles  of  the  jaws.  There  are  several  varie- 
ties of  tetanus,  known  as  opisthotonos,  to  designate  the  variety 
wherein  the  muscles  of  the  back  are  rigidly  contracted;  empros- 


400 


THE    STOCK    OWNER^S    ADVISER. 


thotonos,  when  the  muscles  of  the  belly  are  rigidly  contracted; 
pleurosthotonos,  when  the  head  and  neck  are  pnlled  around  to 
one  side.  Either  of  the  three  varieties  is  seldom  seen.  I  think 
that  I  can  safely  say  that  in  as  many  as  two  hundred  cases  I 
have  never  yet  seen  either  of  the  varieties  mentioned  in  a  pure 
case  of  tetanus.    There  are  two  forms  of  tetanus — traumatic  and 

iodiopathic.  It  is  trau- 
matic when  due  to  an 
i  n  j  u  r  y.  "When  the 
disease  occurs  without 
appreciable  cause,  it  is 
known  as  iodiopathic 
tetanus.  Tetanus  is 
most  likely  to  occur  as 
a  result  of  punctural 
Avounds,  and  manifests 
itself  about  the  time 
the  wound  is  hcaliuc:, 
or  the  ninth  or  tenth 
day  after  the  injury. 
It  follows  castration, 
and  is  one  of  the  most 
fatal  diseases  of  the 
horse. 

Symptoms. — The  condition  is  easily  diagnosed  when  the  dis- 
ease is  well  developed.  When  once  seen  it  will  never  be  forgot- 
ten. The  driver  usually  finds  that  the  horse  drives  duller  than 
usual,  shows  some  excitement  on  being  harnessed,  walks  with  the 
hind  limbs  farther  apart  than  usual.  He  pokes  his  nose  out  far- 
ther than  natural,  and  travels  in  a  peculiarly  stiff  maniaer.  These 
symptoms  may  be  shown  for  a  day  or  two,  when  the  advanced 
symptoms  of  tetanus  are  seen.  The  animal  stands  with  legs 
apart;  in  other  words,  props  himself  with  his  limbs,  similar  to  a 
wooden  horse.  The  excitement  is  greater,  the  spasms  are  well 
marked,  and  come  on  more  frequently.     The  head  is  poked  out 


Fig.  120— Lockiaw— First  Stages. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM. 


401 


and  the  jaws  closed.  The  membrana  nictitans,  on  lifting  the 
head,  extends  almost  over  the  eyeball.  The  tail  is  drawn  up,  the 
animal  carrying  it  stiffly.  The  ears  are  stiff,  and  stick  straight 
up;  and  the  nostrils  become  peculiarly  dilated.  The  pulse  varies 
according  to  the  excitement.  The  bowels  are  usually  consti- 
pated, the  urine  scant.  If  the  animal  lies  down,  his  limbs  stand 
out,  stiff  as  four  sticks.     If  the  case  is  far  advanced,  he  cannot 


Fig.  121— Lockjaw.     A  well  developed  case. 

get  on  his  feet  again.  AVhen  the  symptoms  are  greatly  aggra- 
vated, the  animal  fights  and  struggles,  the  body  becomes  bathed 
with  sweat;  if  the  animal  is  not  raised  in  five  or  six  hours,  he 
dies  from  exhaustion. 

Treatment. — Quietude  is  of  the  greates-t  importance.  The 
animal  should  b©  placed  in  a  darkened,  out  of  the  way  place.  No 
persons  except  the  one  to  administer  medicine  or  the  doctor 
should  be  admitted,  and  even  they  should  only  go  to  him  three 
times  a  day. 

Every  drug  in  the  pharmacopoeia  has  been  tried.  Experience 
26 


402  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

with  me  has  confined  this  nunil)er  to  fonr  or  five  drugs.  Ad- 
minister eight  drachms  of  aloes,  and  follow  with  one-ounce 
doses  of  powdered  belladonna  leaves  in  a  bolus^  or  one  drachm 
of  the  tincture  may  be  used.  Place  the  medicine  well  back  on 
the  tongue,  and  it  will  be  sucked  in.  Atropine  may  be  given 
hypoderniically  in  five  to  ten  minim  doses.  Bromide  of  potash 
should  1)0  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water,  if  the  power  of  swal- 
lowing is  not  lost.  If  this  treatment  does  not  seem  to  do  well, 
one  drachm  of  powdered  opium,  made  into  a  pill,  should  be 
given,  or  morphine  may  be  given  hypodenuically  in  five-grain 
doses.  I  have  had  good  results  from  the  use  of  calabar  bean  in 
thirty-grain  doses.  The  food  should  be  of  the  best  and  most 
nutritious  quality,  given  in  a  thin  gruel.  The  various  liquid 
foods  should  be  given.  If  the  disease  runs  an  acute  course,  end- 
ing in  about  three  days,  a  cure  cannot  he  made.  When  in  the 
acute  form  the  spasms  come  on  every  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  from 
the  first  of  the  attack,  and  gradually  increase.  If  this  occurs 
twelve  hours  after  treatment  has  been  employed,  the  disease  will 
result  in  death  in  three  or  four  days.  If  it  runs  a  chronic  course,  • 
and  the  animal  lives  over  the  tenth  day,  a  recovery  may  be  ex- 
pected. The  animal  will  not  fully  recover  under  six  weeks  or 
two  months.  He  should  receive  exercise  during  convalescence, 
and  should  do  only  light  and  slow  work  for  two  months. 

CEREBRAL  TUMORS. 

Tumors  are  often  found  in  the  choroid  plexus.  They  grow 
very  slowly  and  scarcely  ever  affect  the  health  of  the  animal. 
If  they  become  as  large  as  a  pig-eon's  or  hen's  egg,  they  will  give 
rise  to  severe  convulsive  fits.  Nothing  can  be  done  for  this 
trouble.  Tubercular  meningitis  is  seen  in  animals  of  a  tuber- 
cular diathesis.  The  symptoms  are  those  of  cerebral  disturbance. 
There  is  a  thickening  of  the  dura  mater,  atrophy  and  a  hyper- 
trophied  condition  of  the  brain,  tumors  in  connection  with  and 
Foftening  of  the  brain.    They  all  occur  as  a  result  of  many  other 


DISEASES    OF    THE    KERVOUS    SYSTEM. 


403 


diseases,  and  the  symptoms  are  not  well  marked,  being  those 
usually  presented  by  cerebral  disturbances. 


HYSTEKIA. 

Hysteria  is  characterized  by  a  highly  nervous  or  excitable 
condition.  It  is  seen  in  all  female  animals.  It  is  caused  by  some 
change  or  excitement  of  the  generative  system. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  excited  to  a  great  degree. 
The  pul?e  runs  away,  the  mare  neighs  continually,  and  in  some 


Fig.  122— Hysteria. 

cases  there  is  a  kind  of  hiccough,  caused  by  spasms.  There  is 
usually  a  whitish  or  reddish  colored  discharge  from  the  vulva. 
Hysteria  usually  occurs  about  the  time  the  animal  comes  in 
heat;  but  it  may,  though  rarely,  occur  in  pregnant  animals.  The 
symptoms  will  subside  in  a  few  days.  The  appetite  is  impaired, 
and  sometimes  there  is  present  urination. 

Treatment  is  not  necessary.     Opium,  in  ounce  doses,  or  bro- 
mide of  potassium,  in  half-ounce  doses,  may  be  used. 


404 


THE    STOCK    OWXEll  S    ADVISEE. 


CHOREA. 

Chorea  is  a  disease  of  the  nervous  system,  characterized  by 
involuntary  and  convulsive  muscular  movements.  It  is  fre- 
quently seen  in  the  dog.    See  Diseases  of  the  Dog. 

A  form  of  chorea,  known  as  stringhalt,  in  the  horse  is  fre- 
quently met  with,  and  is  characterized  by  a  violent  spasmodic 
jerking  of  one  or  both  hind  legs.     It  is  seen  more  particularly 


Fig.  123— Stringhalt. 


when  the  animal  first  comes  from  the  stabl»e  and  during  cold 
weather.    It  is  due  to  some  lesion  of  the  nervous  system. 

Symptoms.— To  detect  the  disease  when  slight,  he  should  be 
made  to  walk  forward,  and  turn  to  first  one  side  and  then  the 
other.  While  doing  this  the  animal  should  be  excited  by  using 
the  whip.  Walk  him  forward,  trot  him,  and  excite  him  with  the 
whip.    Some  horses  only  show  it  in  the  stable  by  being  made  to 


^DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  405 

step  from  side  to  side.     Some  will  trot  along  for  eight  or  ten 
steps,  and  then  jerk  up  the  foot. 

The  disease  is  incurable,  and  is  not  worth  while  treating. 

SHIVERING. 

Shivering  is  a  form  of  chorea,  and  is  dne  to  some  lesion  of  the 
nervous  system,  jierhaps  the  spinal  cord.  It  affects  the  posterior 
parts  principally. 

Symptoms. — It  is  seen  most  when  the  animal  is  backing  or 
endeavoring  to  back.  He  has  great  difhcnlty  in  backing,  and 
becomes  excited.  There  is  muscular  twitching,  with  elevations 
and  quivering  of  the  tail. 

Treatment. — It  is  useless  to  treat.  Xer^^e  tonics  and  sedatives 
may  benefit  it  for  a  little  while,  as  nnx  vomica,  in  drachm  doses, 
and  bromide  of  potash,  in  two-drachm  doses,  twice  a  day. 

IMMOBILITY. 

This  is  also  a  form  of  chorea,  and  is  characterized  by  excite- 
ment. The  animal  when  excited  loses  all  use  of  his  limbs;  there 
is  quivering,  and  he  will  finally  sit  down  on  his  haimches.  Xoth- 
ing  can  be  done  in  the  way  of  treatment. 

SPINITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  spinal  cord  and  its  coverings  occurs  in 
the  acute  and  chronic  forms.  It  may  result  from  injuries  or 
struggling  when  confined  for  operation.  Certain  grasses  and  bad 
food  also  cause  the  disease.  It  is  likely  to  terminate  in  paralysis, 
which  may  be  due  to  softening  of  the  cord. 

Sv^rPTOMs. — The  symptoms  in  the  acute  form  are  as  follows: 
The  animal  while  at,  work  will  suddenly  perspire  profusely;  the 
breathing  becomes  quickened,  and  there  will  be  great  restless- 
ness. The  hind  feet  are  lifted  from  the  groun<l  in  a  violent  man- 
ner. The  animal  may  fall,  struggle  violently,  and  finally  get 
on  his  feet  again.  His  pulse  runs  up  to  ninety,  the  mucous  mem- 
branes are  injected,  and  the  body  bedewed  whh.  sweat.     There 


40 G  THE  STOCK  owner's  advisee. 

may  be  intervals  of  quietude,  and  then  a  dreadful  agony.  This 
may  exist  for  some  hours,  when  the  spasms  may  be  relieved.  He 
may  get  on  his  feet,  stagger  and  knuckle  over  at  the  fetlock,  and 
appear  to  be  improving  wonderfully,  when  sudden  relapse  may 
come,  bringing  paralysis  and  death. 

In  the  chronic  form  the  symptoms  are  a  stiffness  of  the  spine, 
the  animal  turns  with  difficulty,  the  limbs  are  flexed  with  diffi- 
culty, the  nose  is  elevated.  In  a  few  weeks  the  hind  legs  become 
feeble,  the  animal  knuckles  over  at  the  fetlock,  crosses  his  feet, 
staggers,  and  eventually  becomes  paralyzed. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  combined  with 
two  drachms  of  belhidonua.  Stimulants  should  be  applied  to  the 
spine.  Ergot  of  rye,  in  combination  with  the  iodide  of  potassium, 
may  be  nsed,  three  drachms  of  each  three  times  a  day.  The 
l)ladder  must  be  emptied,  and  the  catheter  should  be  used  at  least 
three  times  a  day.  Enemas  should  be  regularly  administered, 
and  the  bed  kept  clean  and  dry. 

PARALYSIS. 

Loss  of  voluntary  motion,  either  with  or  without  loss  of  sen- 
sation. It  may  be  seen  in  various  forms  rather  as  a  symptom  of 
a  lesion  than  as  a  disease  itself.  It  is  divided  into  hemiplegia 
and  paraplegia.  It  may  be  described  as  local;  that  is,  where 
paralysis  of  several  muscles  occur. 

ITemiplegia  is  that  form  of  paralysis  in  whicli  one  lateral  half 
of  the  body  is  affected.  It  is  very  rarely  seen  in  the  lower  ani- 
mals, and  results  from  some  disease  or  injury  of  the  brain. 

Symptoms. — When  down  the  aninuil  cannot  rise,  motor 
power,  and  sometimes  sensation  of  one-half  of  the  body,  being 
lost.  The  ear  on  tlie  affected  side  becomes  pendulous.  The 
cheek  hangs  down,  the  angle  of  the  mouth  is  lower,  and  the  nose 
may  be  turned  towards  the  side  affected. 

Treatment. — If  the  auimal  can  support  any  ])ortion  of  its 
v/eight,  it  may  lie  ])ut  in  sHngs.     Eight  drachuis  of  aloes  should 


DISEASES    OF    THE    NERVOUS    SYSTEM.  407 

be  administered,  followed  by  coarse  powdered  mix  vomica,  in 
one-drachm  doses. 

PARAPLEGIA. 

This  form  of  paralysis  is  frequently  seen  in  the  lower  animals. 
It  is  produced  in  a  variety  of  ways,  as  slipping-,  falling,  and 
jumping.  It  may  originate  in  indigestion  and  constipation. 
Paralysis  arising  from  indigestion  is  occasionally  seen  during  an 
attack  of  colic.  It  is  sometimes  seen  in  the  mare  during  the 
period  of  oestrum.  In  horned  cattle,  jjaraplegia  is  not  an  unfre- 
quent  symptom  of  indigestion,  arising  from  impaction  of  the 
rumen,  and  from  uterine  irritation.  If  the  paralysis  is  due  to 
fracture  of  the  anterior  dorsal  vertebra,  there  will  be  loss  of 
motion  in  the  anterior  as  well  as  the  posterior  extremities.  When 
the  posterior  extremities  only  are  paralyzed,  the  practitioner 
may  know  that  the  injury  is  situated  pretty  well  back. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  Ergot  of  rye  and 
belladonna  may  be  used,  one  drachm  of  each.  The  l)romide  of 
potash  should  be  given  in  the  early  stages,  followed  by  nux 
vomica,  in  drachm  doses.  Sling  may  be  used  if  he  will  support 
j^art  of  his  weight  by  his  limbs. 

HYDROCEPHALUS. 

This  is  the  term  given  to  water  in  the  cranial  cavity.  It  is 
sometimes  seen  in  connection  with  a  fetus;  in  such  a  case,  de- 
livery cannot  be  effected  unless  an  opening  is  made  in  the  head 
of  the  fetus  and  the  fluid  allowed  to  escape. 


XXXIII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 

The  horse  does  not  suffer  from  liver  trouble  to  the  extent  of 
the  human  being,  although  the  same  conditions  prevail  in  the 
horse  as  in  the  human  being.  The  cause  of  liver  disease  is  feed- 
ing an  animal  on  a  highly  stimulating  diet  for  a  long  time.  Con- 
gestion of  the  liver  occurs  as  a  symptom  of  other  diseases,  as 
disease  of  the  heart  and  lungs. 

Symptoms. — Abdominal  pain,  the  animal  looking  to  the  right 
side;  yellowness  of  the  mucous  membrane;  high,  brownish  color 
of  the  urine;  constipation  of  the  bowels;  the  fieces  are  some- 
times of  a  light  clay  color  and  fetid,  a  sour,  acid  or  offensive 
condition  of  the  mouth;  grinding  of  the  teeth.  In  some  instances 
pain  is  manifested  by  lameness  in  the  off  (right)  shoulder. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes.  The  food  should 
be  of  a  character  easily  digested.  Sulphate  of  magnesia  may  be 
given  night  and  morning,  in  one-ounce  doses,  diluted  in  a  half 
pint  of  watei'.     A  course  of  iodide  of  potassium  is  useful. 

HEPATITUS,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

This  disease,  very  rare  in  the  lower  animals,  may  be  produced 
by  feeding  on  coarse,  inferior  food.  It  is  almost  always  con- 
nected with  inflammation  of  the  other  abdominal  organs.  After 
death  the  liver  is  found  to  be  congested,  of  a  grayish-red  color, 
and  weighing  from  forty  to  fifty  pounds.  An  epizootic  form  of 
the  disease  has  occurred  in  Italy. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  dull,  the  coat  is  staring,  the  pidse 
quick  and  weak,  and  the  f?eces  of  a  clay  color.  There  is  a  strong 
manifestation  of  fever  rising  in  the  system.  The  animal  may 
lie  down  and  roll,  but  not  in  as  violent  a  manner  as  a  case  of 
colic.     On  the  second  or  third  day  the  mucous  membranes  begin 

(408) 


DISEASES    OF    THE    LIVER. 


409 


to  turn  yellow.  The  inner  surface  of  the  lips,  cheeks  and  tongue, 
the  conjunctiva,  and  in  some  cases  the  transparent  cornea  and 
iris  as  well,  become  yellow,  manifesting  the  diffusion  of  l)ile 
over  the  body.  The  fa?ces  even  are  of  a  yellowish  tinge.  The 
urine  is  thick  and  contains  the  same  bilious  tinge.  The  horse 
will  lie  down,  look  at  its  right  side,  and  so-on  get  up  again.     If 


Fig.  124— Inflammation  of  the  Liver. 

the  right  side  be  pressed  upon  the  animal  will  flinch.  Lameness 
in  the  off  shoulder  has  been  observed. 

Treatment. — Give  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  and  follow  with 
twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite,  given  every  two  hours. 
Ipecacuanha  is  of  value  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease.  Calo- 
mel and  other  liver  stimulants  should  not  be  given.  Counter- 
irritation,  as  mustard  over  tlie  region  of  the  liver,  is  of  great 
service.  Potassium  iodide,  in  onc-drachm  dose  should  be  given 
three  times  a  day.  The  food  should  be  of  the  best  quality. 
Scalded  bran  should  be  given  the  first  few  days,  then  give  grass 
or  some  nutritious  diet. 

The  disease  frequently  occurs  in  the  chronic  form,  giving  rise 


410  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

to  changes  in  the  substance  of  the  liver,  whereby  it  either  be- 
comes enlarged  and  softened  in  structure  or  hardened  and  dimin- 
ished in  bulk. 

JAUNDICE. 

Jaundice,  or  yellows,  is  a  symptom  of  many  affections  in  which 
the  tissues  of  the  body  are  dyed  yellow.  It  is,  however,  very 
generally  spoken  of  and  regarded  as  a  disease  of  itself.  The 
princij>al  symptom  is  yellowness  of  the  skin.  Any  disease  of  the 
liver  may  give  rise  to  this  jaundice  appearance,  as  over-stimula- 
tion of  the  gland  by  feeding  largely  and  giving  but  little  exer- 
cise. Suppression  or  non-secretion  of  bile  in  consequence  of  in- 
flammation, or  functional  inactivity  of  the  gland  itself,  or  the 
presence  of  any  obstruction  preventing  the  passage  of  bile 
through  the  ducts,  may  result  in  reabsorption  of  the  coloring 
matter,  which,  entering  the  blood,  is  carried  to  all  parts  of  the 
body.  There  is  a  test  by  means  of  which  one  can  ascertain 
whether  the  conditions  are  caused  by  obstruction  of  the  ducts  or 
due  to  functional  inactivity  of  the  gland.  Ilarley's  test  is  as 
follows:  Take  of  acid  sulphuric  one  drachm,  loaf  sugar  a  suffi- 
cient quantity,  add  two  drachms  of  the  suspected  urine  to  the 
sugar,  then  add  the  sulphuric  acid  slowly.  If  the  trouble  is  due 
to  obstruction,  the  mixture  will  become  a  scarlet  or  purple  red 
at  the  line  of  contact;  but  if  a  brown  color  be  present  at  the  line 
of  contact,  proof  conclusive  is  obtained  that  the  trouble  is  due  to 
suppression.     The  test  is  thoroughly  reliable. 

Treatment. — If  the  test  reveals  functional  inactivity  of  the 
liver,  eight  drachms  of  aloes,  with  two  drachms  of  calomel,  may 
be  administered.  In  case  it  indicates  obstruction,  liver  stimu- 
lants would  do  harm. 

SCIRRHOSIS. 

Scirrhosis,  or  induration  of  the  liver,  may  result  from  hepa- 
titis, but  it  frequently  occurs  from  feeding  on  damaged  food, 
such  as  damaged  and  mouldy  hay,  or  changing  from  a  poor  food 


DISEASKS    OF     THE     LUKK.  411 

to  a  highly  stimulating  diet.     In  man  the  same  condition  exists 
where  long  continued  alcoholic  stimulants  are  used. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  those  of  general  liver  disease, 
the  animal  gradually  falling  off  in  condition.  The  yellow  tinge 
of  the  skin  is  also  present.  The  faeces  are  clay  colored  and  very 
fetid.  The  animal,  as  a  rule,  persistently  stands.  The  disease  is 
a  little  difficult  to  diagnose  from  other  liver  troubles. 

Teeatment. — Sulphate  of  magnesia,  in  ounce  doses,  should  be 
given  for  several  days.  Bicarbonate  of  soda  may  be  given  in 
three-drachm  d'oses.  The  animal  should  be  put  on  a  long  course 
of  tonics. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Rupture  of  the  liver  takes  place  in  the  horse,  but  it  is  very 
difficult  to  diagnose.  The  treatment  would  be  the  administra- 
tion of  styptics,  as  tdncture  of  iron,  in  two  or  three  drachm  doses, 
or  half-ounce  doses  of  ergot. 

BILIARY  CALCULI. 

Biliary  calculi  are  very  rarely  found  in  the  lower  animals,  and 
there  are  no  symptoms  showing  their  presence  during  life.  They 
are  only  revealed  by  a  post-mortem. 

Other  conditions  of  the  liver  occur,  as  atrophy,  wasting  of  the 
gland,  or  hypertrophy,  or  an  abnormal  enlargement  of  the 
liver.  Abscesses  and  tumors  of  various  kinds  may  occur  in  con- 
nection with  the  liver,  and  give  rise  to  no  well-marked  symptoms 
peculiar  to  themselves.  The  treatment  of  any  of  these  condi- 
tions is  useless.  Good  food  and  use  of  tonics  is  all  that  can  be 
done. 


XXXIV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  SPLEEN  AND  PANCREAS. 

Diseases  of  the  spleen  are  revealed  on  post-mortem;  but  there 
are  no  symptoms  during  life  which  indicate  their  presence. 
There  are  various  organic  changes  taking  place  in  connection 
with  the  pancreas,  as  atrophy,  hypertrophy,  thrombosis,  tubercle, 
the  presence  of  hydrates,  lymphadenoma. 

Xumerous  symptoms  have  been  enumerated  for  the  various 
conditions,  but  I  question  whether  they  can  be  diagnosed  cor- 
rectly. 


(412) 


XXXV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

The  kidneys  of  the  lower  animals  are  in  a  great  measure  ex- 
empt from  diseases  which  so  often  destroy  human  life.  They  do 
not  indulge  in  alcoholic  drinks,  and  are  free  to  a  certain  extent 
of  the  cares  and  troubles  of  the  world.  Their  emotions  and  men- 
tal anxieties  are  not  so  great.  Diseases  of  the  kidneys,  however, 
do  occur  and  are  well  marked.  Physiologically  the  kidneys 
excrete  from  the  body  those  materials  resulting  from  metamor- 
phosis of  tissue,  which,  if  retained,  would  act  injuriously  upon 
the  system  generally. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS— NEPHRITIS. 

This  disease  is  seldom  seen  in  the  lower  animals.  When  it 
does  occur  it  is  generaly  found  in  the  chronic  form.  I^ephritis 
generally  embraces  all  the  structure  of  the  kidney,  often  com- 
mencing in  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  uriniferous  tubes,  and 
afterward  involving  the  parenchyma.  One  kidney  may  be 
affected  to  the  exclusion  of  the  other. 

Causes. — Many  injuries  and  strains,  causing  a  stiffness  in  the 
animal's  gait,  have  been  mistaken  for  kidney  trouble,  and  we 
meet  with  practitioners  who  blister  a  poor  animal's  back  and 
loins  in  most  cruel  manner.  They  come  to  the  conclusion  that 
bowel  diseases  and  most  injuries  are  pure  cases  of  kidne}'  disease. 
They  seem  to  have  made  up  their  minds  before  seeing  it  that  the 
animal  had  kidney  trouble,  and  diagnosed  as  kidney  trouble  what 
was  simply  a  strain,  or  stiffness  from  over-exertion.  I  think  the 
most  prolific  cause  is  due  to  the  absorption  of  irritable  medicines 
applied  as  local  liniments,  or  it  may  be  produced  by  the  admin- 
istration of  internal  medicines  which  have  an  irritating  effect, 
as  croton  oil,  turpentine,  etc.    Long-continued  effect  of  cold,  as 

(413)" 


414 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


cold  water  dropping  upon  the  animal's  back,  or  exposure  of  the 
animal  to  cold  after  severe  exertion,  may  produce  it. 

Symptoms. — There  is  considerable  fever  and  colicky  pains. 
The  pulse  is  hard  and  frequent,  with  increased  thirst;  short, 
raj)id  breathing;  hot,  clammy  mouth,  and  constipation  of  the 
bowels.  The  most  important  diagTiostic  symptom  is  the  scanty 
secretion,  or  total  suppression,  of  urine,  with  desire  to  micturate 


Fig.  125— InflammatloD  of  the  Kidney — Acute. 


frequently.  The  animal  stretches  itself  in  vain  attempts,  pass- 
ing, perhaps,  but  a  few  drops  of  a  highly  colored  and  irritating 
secretion.  When  fever  with  colicky  pains  is  present,  in  addi- 
tion to  emptiness  of  the  urinary  bladder,  frequent  attempts  to 
urinate,  with  but  little  discharge,  the  examiner  may  be  assured 
nephritis  is  present.  A  stiffness  of  the  loins  may  be  an  indica- 
tion of  nephritis,  but  it  is  not  to  be  relied  upon.  Ursemic  poison- 
ing may  set  in,  causing  the  animal  to  act  as  though  intoxicated, 
and  a  strong  uriniferous  odor  is  given  out  in  the  perspiration. 


DISEASES  OF   THE   KIDNEYS. 


415 


•  Treatment. — Give  a  pint  of  linseed  oil  or  eight  drachms  of 
aloes.  Warm  fomentations,  succeeded  by  mild  mustard  applica- 
tions, should  be  used  over  the  loins.  One  to  two  drachms  of  the 
tartar  of  antimony  may  be  given.  If  the  suppression  continues 
for  several  days,  or  if  at  any  time  the  uraemic  intoxication  is  ap- 
parent, the  secretion  of  urine  must  be  excited.  To  do  this  digi- 
talis, in  the  form  of  a  decoction,  should  be  repeatedly  applied  to 
the  skin.     It  must  be  discontinued  as  soon  as  the  kidneys  have 


•#* 


Fig,  126 — Inflammation  of  the  Kidney— Chronic  Form. 

commenced  to  act.  It  may  be  applied  in  poultices  over  the 
region  of  the  kidneys.  The  results  of  nephritis  are  atrophy, 
hypertrophy,  etc. 

HYPERTROPHY. 

This  is  an  abnormal  enlargement  of  one  or  both  kidneys.  The 
condition  may  exist  for  some  time  without  presenting  any  sign 
of  disease.  The  condition  may  be  easily  detected  by  placing  the 
hand  well  up  in  the  rectum.  A-  case  is  on  record  in  which  the 
kidney  weighed  fifty  pounds,  and  Percival  mentions  a  case  in 
which  the  kidney  weighed  upwards  of  one  hundred  and  twelve. 

Treatment. — Such  cases  cannot  be  benefited  very  much,  still 
the  carbonate  of  soda  may  be  tried,  in  two-drachm  doses  three 
times  a  day. 


4-16  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


ATROPHY  OF  THE  KIDNEY. 

Atrophy  of  the  kidney  may  be  treated  by  putting  the  animal 
on  a  course  of  nux  vomica  and  by  giving  alcoholic  stimulants. 

Melanotic  deposits  occur  in  connection  with  the  liver,  and  are 
always  seen  in  connection  with  gray  horses.  The  symptoms  are 
those  of  kidney  troubles.  The  diagnosis  may  be  assisted  from 
the  fact  that  it  usually  occurs  in  gray  horses,  and  when  melanotic 
tumors  are  seen  in  other  parts  of  the  body.  It  is  not  worth  while 
to  treat  this  condition. 

FLOATING  KIDNEYS. 

One  or  both  kidneys  may  be  displaced;  and  cases  are  on  record 
where  one  kidney  has  been  removed,  the  operation  causing  little 
or  no  inconvenience. 

ALBUMENURIA. 

The  occurrence  of  large  quantities  of  albumen  in  the  urine  is 
a  consequence  of  acute  nephritis,  or  more  frequently  it  occurs 
from  some  irregularity  of  the  diet,  faulty  diet  giving  rise  to  de- 
rangement of  the  nervous  system.  This  condition  is  identical 
with  the  disease  known  as  Brights  disease  in  the  human  family. 

Symptoms. — The  animal,  as  a  rule,  persistently  stands,  and 
there  may  be  stiffness  in  the  gait  and  shortness  of  breath.  The 
animal  may  be  more  or  less  dull,  loses  flesh,  and  presents  an  un- 
thrifty condition  generally.  There  will  be  odematous  swellings 
in  the  limbs.  The  animal  will  stand  stretched  out  in  his  stall, 
with  his  forefeet  under  the  r  anger  and  his  hind  feet  backward. 
He  will  stand  in  that  position  all  day  long,  and  it  seems  com- 
fortable to  him.  lie  usually  comes  out  of  the  stable  with  a  stiff 
motion.  Where  the  above  symptoms  are  present,  it  may  be 
stated  pretty  accurately  that  albumen  exists.  To  be  sure  that 
the  diagnosis  is  correct,  the  test  for  albumen  should  be  made  as 
follows.     To  a  small  quantity  of  the  suspected  urine,  add  a  little 


DISEASES  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 


417 


nitric  acid,  and  heat  the  mixture,  when  coagulation  of  the  albu- 
men contained  in  the  urine  will  at  once  take  place. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  should  be  kept  in  a  relaxed  condi- 
tion bj  giving  small  doses  of  aloes.  AVhen  constipation  arises, 
eleterium  may  be  used  with  success  in  fifteen  minim  doses.  The 
food  should  be  of  the  best  quality,  and  the  body  should  be  kept 


Fig.  127 — Albumenuria. 

warm.  If  convalescence  is  established,  tonics  should  be  admin- 
istered, as  sulphate  of  iron,  three  drachms;  gentian,  two 
drachms,  may  be  given  in  the  feed  night  and  morning. 

POLYUREA,  OR  DIABETES  INSIPIDIES. 

This  is  a  dietetic  disease,  due  to  a  deranged  condition  of  the 
digestive  system,  which,  causing  an  alteration  in  the  condition 
of  the  blood,  gives  rise  to  excessive  secretions  of  a  clear,  color- 
less urine. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  faulty  dieting,  or  the  use  of  putrid, 
stagnant  waters.  The  use  of  mouldy  hay  or  corn  is  no  doubt  the 
27 


418  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

most  usual  cause.  It  may  occur  as  the  result  of  some  de'bilitating 
disease. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  very  dull.  The  coat  is  dry 
and  dusty-looking,  the  animal  falling  oft"  in  flesh  to  a  considerable 
extent.  The  aj)petite  is  capricious,  one  day  eating  heartily  and 
the  next  day  refusing  all  food.  The  pulse  becomes  weak,  and 
there  is  a  terrible  thirst;  if  led  to  the  water,  he  will  drink  all 
that  he  possibly  can,  and  there  will  be  a  difficulty  in  getting  him 
away.  The  animal  perspires  freely  on  the  slightest  exertion. 
He  rapidly  loses  flesh,  and  will  soon  die  if  nothing  be  done  for 
him. 

Treatment. — Discover  the  cause,  and  remove  it.  Change  the 
food  and  drink.  Give  iodine,  one  drachm ;  potassium  iodide,  one 
drachm,  night  and  morning,  in  severe  cases;  and  give  in  addition 
to  this,  in  the  feed,  Gentian  pow'd,  drachms  three;  iron  sulphate, 
drachms  three,  twice  a  day. 

RENAL  CALCULI. 

Renal  calculi  are  found  in  the  kidneys,  and  are  composed  of 
the  carbonate  of  lime  and  magnesia.  Their  presence  is  discov- 
ered by  the  condition  of  the  urine,  which  is  discharged  with 
earthy  materials,  intermingled  with  blood.  There  are  occasional 
colicky  pains. 

Treatment. — Give  hydrochloric  acid  to  dissolve  the  calculus. 
One-half  drachm  should  be  given  diluted  in  a  pint  of  water  twice 
a  day  for  several  days. 

SUPPRESSION  OF  URINE. 

This  is  due  to  functional  inactivity  of  the  kidney.  It  is  char- 
acterized by  dullness  of  the  animal  and  passing  of  urine  in  small 
quantities.  The  urine  is  normal  in  appearance.  If  an  examina- 
tion be  made  per  rectum,  the  bladder  is  found  to  be  empty,  or 
nearly  so. 

Treatment. — All  that  is  required  is  simply  the  administration 
of  a  stimulant,  as  an  ounce  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  with  a  half 


DISEASES   OF   THE   KIDNEYS. 


419 


ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash;  or  rosin  may  be  used.     Three  or  four 
doses  may  be  necessary. 

CYSTITIS,  OR  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  disease  occurs  in  all  animals,  and,  I  think,  is  due  solely 
to  the  administration  of  irritable  medicines.  It  may  be  caused 
by  the  absorption  of  irritating  blisters,  applied  externally. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  pain,  with  a  difficult  passage  of 
urine:  the  pulse  is  quickened,  the  mouth  is  hot.    The  horse  may 


Fig.  128 — Inflammation  of  the  Bladder. 

stamp  and  lie  down.     An  examination  per  rectum  will  reveal 
heat,  and  give  rise  to  pain. 

Tkeatment. — Twenty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  aconite  and 
three-drachm  doses  of  nitrate  of  potash  should  be  given.  If  the 
patient  is  a  female,  tepid  water,  with  a  little  tincture  of  opium 
added,  should  be  injected  into  the  bladder.  Enemas  of  warm 
water  should  be  given  per  rectum.  Clothe  the  animal  well,  and 
keep  the  bowels  open  by  the  use  of  oil. 

RETENTION  OF  URINE. 

An  inability,  total  or  partial,  to  expel  by  natural  effort  the 
urine  contained  in  the  bladder.    Its  escape  is  prevented  by  mus- 


420 


THE    STOCK    OWAEIJ  S    ADVISER. 


Fig.  129 — Retention  of  tlie  Urine. 


ciilar  contractions  of  the  neck  of  tlie  IjlacKlcr,  l)}-  enlargement  of 
the  prostate  gland,  prolapse  of  the  rectum,  dirt  in  the  sheath,  or 
cancer  of  the  penis. 

Symptoms. — Frequent    and   ineffectual   attempts    to   nrinate. 

The  animal  will  stretch  himself  out,  strain  violently,  and  groan. 

He  may  succeed  in  voiding  a  very  small  quantity  of  nrine,  which 

comes  away  in  a  short, 
forcible  jet.  An  ex- 
amination per  rectum 
will  find  the  bladder 
full  of  urine. 

Treatment. 
The  arm  should  be  well 
lubricated  and  gently 
passed  into  the  rectum 
until  the  bladedr  is 
reached.  Gentle  pressure  should  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it  and 
its  contents  forced  out.  Should  this  fail  to  remove  the  urine,  a 
warm-water  enema,  especially  an  enema  made  from  the  decoc- 
tion of  tobacco,  should  be  used;  after  which  pressure  may  again 
be  employed  to  the  bladder.  If  this  fail  the  catheter  must  be 
passed  and  the  urine  withdrawn. 

MELANOTIC  DEPOSITS  IN  THE  BLADDER. 

These  are  deposits  seen  in  bladders  of  gray  horses.  Tumors 
and  fungoid  growths  are  also  found  in  the  bladder. 

Symptoms. — A  difficulty  in  voiding  the  urine;  the  urine  is 
tinged  with  blood,  owing  to  rupture  of  small  blood  vessels.  At 
times  the  urine  may  be  black.  The  animal  falls  off  in  condition. 
The  tumor  may  be  detected  by  an  examination  per  rectum. 

Treatment. — Not  much  can  be  done  for  these  conditions.  If 
a  fungoid  growth  is  present,  its  removal  may  be  tried.  The 
operation  should  not  be  tried  unless  it  be  the  only  means  of 
pve venting  death. 


DISEASES   OF   THE   KIDiSfEYS.  421 

INVERSION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  frequently  occurs  in  the  cow  and  mare,  and  usually  fol- 
lows difficult  parturition,  but  may  result  from  debility.  It  is 
detected  by  a  small  and  reddened  tumor-like  substance  protrud- 
ing from  the  vulva.  The  urine  escapes  dribbling  down  over  the 
thighs. 

Treatment. — Bathe  the  bladder  with  warm  water  and  tinc- 
ture of  opium,  and  return  it  to  its  place  as  soon  as  possible.  The 
vagina  may  afterwards  be  injected  with  warm  water.  The  hind 
quarters  should  be  elevated,  and  opium  tincture  may  be  given 
by  the  mouth  in  ounce  doses.  If  the  case  has  been  neglected  and 
the  bladder  becomes  gangrenous,  it  should  be  removed  by  the 
ecraseur.  The  urine  ^yill  then  escape  through  the  ureters  and 
run  over  the  thigh. 

CYSTIC  CALCULI. 

Cystic  calculi  are  said  to  originate  in  the  limestone  districts. 
I  have  always  doubted  whether  the  water  from  limestone  dis- 
tricts would  cause  calculi.  I  am  now  convinced  of  the  fact  that 
calculi  are  more  frequent  in  limestone  districts.  I  have  made 
observations  regarding  this  in  my  practice  in  the  limestone  belts 
of  the  Xorth,  and  in  the  low,  sandy,  cotton  belts  of  the  South. 
A  very  minute  portion  of  foreign  matter  may  be  present  in  the 
bladder  and  act  as  a  nucleus  around  which  the  calcarious  mate- 
rial is  deposited. 

Symptoms. — A  single  calculus  or  numljcrs  may  exist  in  the 
bladder  at  one  time.  The  urine  becomes  white  or  milky  in  color, 
and  when  being  voided,  instead  of  a  full,  round  stream,  the  flow 
may  be  suddenly  checked  by  the  presence  of  the  calculi.  The 
animal  will  stand  in  the  position  for  urinating,  and  after  several 
attempts  may  succeed  in  voiding  it.  The  urine  may  dribble 
away  at  times  and  be  tinged  with  blood.  To  make  certain  of  the 
condition,  all  that  is  required  Ls  an  examination  per  rectum,  when 
the  calculi  may  be  felt. 


422  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — If  the  patient  ue  in  a  limestone  country,  change 
the  water  and  give  rain  water.  The  animal  should  be  given 
plenty  of  salt  and  be  put  on  a  course  of  hydrochloric  acid; 
drachm  doses  should  be  used  twice  a  day  for  a  week. 

In  case  the  calculi  are  large  the  operation  of  lithotomy  may 
be  performed.  This  operation  is  somewhat  difficult  in  the  male, 
but  may  be  easily  performed  in  the  female.  This  should  be  en- 
trusted to  the  surgeon. 

URETHRAL  CALCULI. 

These  differ  from  cystic  calculi  only  in  their  situation.  "When 
the  calculi  pass  out  of  the  bladder  into  the  urethra  they  are 
known  as  urethral  calculi.  Cattle  troubled  with  urinary  calculi 
generally  have  calcarious  deposits  on  the  hair  around  the  pre- 
puce. They  may  set  up  an  inflammation  of  the  urethra  of  the 
ox  and  cause  stricture.  In  such  a  case,  as  the  catheter  cannot  be 
passed,  the  only  remedy  is  to  cut  into  the  urethra  and  divide  the 
stricture.  This  operation  in  cattle  is  performed  with  difficulty. 
The  calculi  can  be  removed  from  mares  and  cows  with  ease. 
This  may  be  done  by  lubricating  a  forceps,  passing  it  in  the 
meatus  urinarius  and  urethra,  getting  a  hold  on  the  calculus  and 
removing  it.  Injections  in  the  bladder  may  remove  them,  or  a 
small  spoon  may  be  used. 

HAEMATURIA,  OR  BLOODY  URINE. 

This  is  frequently  a  symptom  of  calculi.  A  sprain  across  the 
loins,  causing  rupture  of  some  of  the  Idood  vessels,  may  give 
rise  to  haematuria.  The  cause  of  the  hemorrhage  should  be 
ascertained.  If  found  to  be  due  to  calculi,  treat  as  for  calculi. 
If  the  hemorrhage  is  from  the  kidneys,  plumbi  acetas,  grains" 
twenty,  in  combination  with  three  or  four  drachms  of  the  tinc- 
ture of  the  chloride  of  iron  may  be  used. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  condition  may  be  caused  by  the  urine  not  being  passed 
freely,  the  bladder  not  emptying  itself  during  the  passage.    The 


DISEASES  OF   THE   KIDNEYS. 


423 


bladder  being  thus  continually  distended  with  urine,  becomes 
enlarged,  resulting  in  paralysis.  The  symptoms  are  those  of  sup- 
pression and  retention,  and  can  only  be  correctly  diagnosed  by 
an  examination  per  rectum.  The  bladder  may  be  injected  with 
warm  w-ater,  and  the  animal  be  put  on  a  course  of  nerve  stimu- 
lants. Nux  vomica,  in  drachm  doses,  may  be  given.  The  condi- 
tion is  incurable,  however,  if  of  long  standing. 


AZOTTJRIA. 

Azoturia  belongs  to  the  class  of  dietetic  diseases,  and  consists 
of  a  hyper-nitrogenous  condition  of  the  blood  and  system,  gen- 
erally due  to  overfeeding  and  want  of  exercise. 

Causes. — There  is  no  doubt  that  a  super-abundance  of  albu- 
men is  contained  in  the  blood,  and  that  by  increased  exercise  the 
albumen  is  formed 
with  urea  and  hip- 
puric  acid.  The 
blood  being  over- 
loaded,  throws  a 
great  tax  on  the  kid- 
neys in  excreting  the 
delete  rious  sub- 
stances. AVherever 
the  disease  is  met 
with,  the  history  of 
the  case  loveals  that 
the  horse,  after  working  regularly,  was  rested  for  several  days 
or  a  week,  then  hooked  up  and  started  on  the  road.  The  animal 
is  said  to  have  driven  freely  nnd  more  spirited  than  usual.  After 
going  three  or  four  miles  he  was  seized  on  the  road.  I  have 
never  seen  a  case  that  was  not  produced  in  this  manner.  The 
disease  exists  more  frequently  in  some  localities  than  others.  It 
is  seldom  seen  in  the  low  lands  and  cotton  belt.s  of  the  south- 
eastern portion  of  the  United  States.  In  the  mountiiinous  sec- 
tion it  is  of  frequent  occurrence.     It  seems  that  the  climate  or 


Fig.  130 — Standing  in  Jizoturia. 


424 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


soil  has  something  to  do  with  it.    Albumen  is  found  in  the  urine 
in  excessive  quantities. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  when  brought  out  of  the  stable,  after 
resting  for  several  days,  is  in  a  spirited  condition  and  full  of  life. 
After  travelling  a  short  distance  he  becomes  somewhat  dull  and 
sluggish,  perspires  freely,  and  shows  stiffness  in  the  loins.  In  a 
few  minutes  he  will  drac  the  limbs  along.  The  loss  of  motor 
power  now  becomes  well  marked  in  the  hind  extremities.     The 

animal  stops,  is  unable 
to  go  any  further,  and 
may  fall  down.  When 
down,  he  is  unable  to 
rise.  The  pulse  quick- 
ens and  more  or  less 
pain  is  manifested. 
He  may  roll,  as  in 
colic,  but  soon  be- 
comes unable  to  rise. 
The  muscles  of  the 
haunches  contract  and 


are  ri 


o'id. 


Treatment. 

Give  eight  drachms 
of  aloes  and  adminis- 
Fig.  i;3I-Azaturea.  ^^^,  enemas.    The  ani- 

mal should  be  placed  in  a  comfortable  box  stall,  and  turned 
from  side  to  side  every  two  or  three  hours.  Warm  fomen- 
tations should  be  applied  to  the  loins.  The  ammoniacal 
liniment  should  be  applied  thoroughly  to  the  loins.  Ounce  doses 
of  alcohol  may  be  given  every  four  hours.  In  some  cases  aconite, 
twenty  drops,  may  be  administered  with  benefit.  The  urine  must 
be  removed  with  the  catheter.  It  will  be  found  to  be  of  a  dark 
brown  color,  similar  to  coffee.  After  the  purgative  has  acted, 
nitrate  and  chlorate  of  potash,  in  three-drachm  doses,  should  be 


DISEASES  OF  THE   KIDNEYS.  425 

given  for  several  days.  Hypodermic  injections  of  morphine  may 
be  employed  with  good  results.  The  animal  should  be  induced  to 
get  on  his  feet  as  soon  as  possible,  that  the  secretions  may  be 
more  regularly  perfonned.  During  convalescence  the  animal 
should  receive  good  food,  and  iron  sulphate,  drachms  three; 
powdered  gentian,  drachms  two,  should  be  given  until  he  is  in  a 
2'ood  condition. 


XXXVI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART  AND  ITS  MEMBRANES. 

Heart  disease  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  the  lower  animals,  com- 
pared with  its  frequency  in  the  human  race.  Diseases  of  the 
heart  are  divided  into  functional  and  organic  functional  derange- 
njent  of  the  heart,  characterized  by  palpitations,  irregularity,  or 
intermittence  of  the  pulse,  and  may  arise  from  debility,  indiges- 
tion and  many  other  diseases. 

Organic  disease  of  the  heart  is  a  disease  of  its  substance. 

CARDKIS. 

Carditis  inflammation  of  the  heart  substance  occurs,  and  is 
usually  circumscribed.  In  cases  where  the  whole  or  a  large  por- 
tion of  the  substance  is  inflamed,  death  quickly  occurs.  If,  how- 
ever, it  is  circumscribed  in  character,  recovery  may  take  place, 
but  there  is  a  tendency  to  the  formation  of  small  abscesses. 

Treatment. — Potassium  bicarbonate,  in  doses  of  two  drachms, 
should  be  administered.  The  animal  should  be  kept  quiet.  Po- 
tassium chlorate  is  highly  recommended.  It  should  be  given  in 
two-drachm  doses  three  times  a  day.  Strong  stimulants,  or  blis- 
ters should  be  applied  over  the  region  of  the  heart,  and  the 
bowels  should  be  kept  in  good  condition.  The  disease  is  not  satis- 
factorily treated. 

PERICARDITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  pericardium  occurs  in  all  animals,  but  is 
most  frequently  met  with  in  cattle.  It  may  arise  from  injury, 
or  it  may  be  associated  with  chronic  disease  of  any  organ  of  the 
body. 

Symptoms. — The  pulse  is  hard  and  irritable,  and  easily  excited. 
The  respirations  are  a  little  quickened,  and  the  mouth  is  hotter 

(426) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART  AND  ITS  MEMBRANES.  427 

than  usual;  the  legs  and  ears  are  alternately  hot  and  cold.  The 
bowels  and  appetite  are  irregular.  When  hydrops  pericardis  re- 
sults, a  lingering  death  is  the  only  termination. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  similar  to  carditis.  To  sum  it 
up,  fomentations  to  the  side,  warm  clothing,  bandaging  the  legs, 
with  careful  administration  of  medicines  calculated  to  relieve 
the  urgent  symptoms  arising  during  the  progress  of  the  disease, 
and  supplying  the  animal  with  good  food. 

ENDOCARDITIS. 

This  consists  of  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
heart.  It  gives  rise  to  symptoms  similar  to  pericarditis.  The 
treatment  should  be  similar. 

HYPERTROPHY  OF  THE  HEART. 

Hypertrophy  is  a  condition  in  which  the  walls  of  the  heart 
become  thickened  and  the  cavities  enlarged.  It  is  frequently 
seen  in  race  horses  and  stallions,  roncentrie  hypertrophy  is  that 
form  of  hypertrophy  in  which  the  walls  of  the  heart  become 
thickened  and  the  cavities  lessened.  This  disease  is  frequently 
associated  with  heaves  and  with  valvular  disease  of  the  heart. 

Symptoms. — Fainting  fits  and  regurgitations  of  blood  in  the 
jugulars.  The  pulse  varies  considerably;  it  may  be  weak  and 
quick  or  strong  and  hard.  The  diagnostic  symptoms  are  not 
plain.     Treatment  is  of  no  avail. 

Heart  Dilatation. — This  condition  is  said  to  be  most  com- 
mon in  pampered  and  irregularly  exercised  animals.  I  have 
never  been  able  to  diagTiose  this  condition  from  liypertrophy, 
but  have  seen  it  frequently  during  post-mortem.  Potassium 
chlorate  should  be  administered  freely. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  HEART. 

Rupture  occurs  as  a  result  of  dilatation,  occasioned  while  the 
animal  is  undergoing  some  severe  exertion,  as  in  racing.  Death 
immediately  results. 


428  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  VALVES. 

Valvular  diseases  are  exceedingly  difficult  to  diagnose.  They 
are  generally  due  to  a  cliange  of  structure,  caused  by  endocardi- 
tis, mechanical  rupture,  or  morhid  growths.  Symptoms  are  in- 
dicated by  difficult  breathing  when  the  animal  is  exercised. 

Treatment  is  not  satisfactory. 

CYANOSIS. 

This  is  more  commonly  called  ''blue  disease."  It  is  caused  by 
the  foramen  ovale  remaining  open  instead  of  closing,  as  it  should, 
at  birth.  It  is  manifested  by  blueness  of  the  visible  mucous 
membranes,  difficulty  in  breathing,  and  coldness  of  the  surface. 
Animals  so  affected  live  but  a  short  time  after  birth. 

ECTOPIA  CORDIS. 

Misplacement  or  the  Heart. — The  most  common  form  of 
misplacement  of  the  heart  is  that  in  which  the  heart  is  situated 
outside  the  chest.  When  it  is  outside  the  chest  it  communicates 
with  the  interior  of  the  body  throngh  a  foramen. 

FOREIGN  BODIES  IN  THE  HEART. 

In  ruminants,  particularly  cattle,  foreign  bodies  often  find 
their  way  into  the  pericardium,  wounding  both  it  and  the  heart. 
Cattle  are  exceedingly  fond  of  chewing  and  swallowing  all  sorts 
of  substances.  The  foreign  body  is  taken  into  the  stomach,  and 
thence  forced  through  the  diaphragm  into  the  thoracic  cavity. 
Various  substances  have  been  found  in  the  hearts  of  cattle,  such 
as  knitting  needles,  nails,  a  piece  of  iron  wire  two  inches  long,  a 
plank  nail,  a  hair-pin;  a  table  knife  7ij  inches  long,  passing  from 
the  reticulum  to  the  left  ventricle;  a  ramrod  14  inches  long,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  shows  general  symptoms  of  heart  dis- 
ease. He  may  seem  to  recover,  when  in  a  few  days  the  symptoms 
will  return.  When  such  symptoms  are  present  the  examiner 
may  feel  pretty  safe  in  diagnosing  it  as  a  case  of  some  foreign 
substances  in  the  heart.  Xothing  whatever  in  the  way  of  treat- 
ment can  be  done. 


XXXVIT. 
AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  DIAPHRAGM. 

SPASMS  OF  THE  DIAPHRAGM. 

This  is  caused  by  over-exertion  when  the  animal  is  in  unfit  con- 
dition. Its  most  prominent  symptom  is  a  convulsive  motion,  or 
jerking  of  the  whole  body,  accompanied  by  a  dull,  thumping- 
sound.  The  diaphragm  is  a  thin,  fan-shaped  muscle,  separating 
the  thoracic  cavity  from  the  abdominal.  It  is  situated  posterior 
to  the  heart,  and  at  once  indicates  the  difference  between  the 
spasms  or  thun^ps  of  the  diaj)hragm  and  cardiac  palpitation. 

Treatment.- — All  that  is  necessary  is  the  administration  of  an 
ounce  of  alcohol  and  clothing  of  the  body.  If  several  doses  of 
alcohol  be  necessary,  they  should  be  given  every  four  hours. 

RTJPTUIIE  OF  THE  DIAPHRAGM. 

Rupture  of  the  diaphragm  is  said  to  have  taken  place.  I  have 
never  met  with  this  lesion,  and  therefore  do  not  know  the  symp- 
toms jiresented. 


(420) 


XXXVIII. 
PARASITIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 

Parasites  are  distinguished  as  endoparasites,  or  entozoa,  when 
living  in  the  interior  of  their  hosts,  and  as  ectoparasites,  or  ex- 
tozoa,  when  external.  We  will  confine  our  attention  entirely  to 
entozoa,  of  which  among  the  most  important  are  those  known  as 
worms.  These  include  not  only  round  worms  resembling  the 
earth  worms,  but  also  worms  resembling  a  band  or  a  tape  (tape 
worms),  or  a  leaf  (flukes),  and  thorny-headed  worms.  We  have 
here  to  deal  with  the  parasites  of  the  horse.  Those  of  other 
animals  are  treated  elsewhere  in  this  work. 

The  most  important  parasite  is  the  tape  worm,  taenia  perfoliata. 

They  contain  four  sucking  discs,  in  length  from  one  to  five 
inches,  and  are  found  in  the  large  intestines. 

Symptoms. — There  are  no  special  symptoms  of  diagnostic 
value.  The  animal  is  generally  in  good  condition  when  affected. 
He  becomes  weak,  unable  to  keep  up,  sometimes  running  and 
stumbling  in  going  down  hill,  or  falling  headlong. 

Treatment. — Give  the  oil  of  male  shield  fern,  in  gruel  or  ball, 
from  one^half  to  one  ounce,  or  areca  nut,  one-half  ounce.  The 
bowels  should  first  be  cleared  out  by  giving  bran  mashes  and 
fasting.  A  sharp  purgative  should  be  administered  about  twelve 
hours  after  giving  the  worm  medicine. 

ASCARIS  MEGALOCOPHALA. 

This  is  a  nematode  or  round  worm,  resembling  the  common 
earth  worm  in  size  and  shape.  The  male  is  shorter  than  the 
female,  and  the  average  length' is  from  six  to  eight  inches. 

They  are  found  in  the  entire  length  of  the  alimentary  canal, 
but  generally  in  the  small  intestine. 

(430) 


PARASITIC     DISEASES    OF    THE     HORSE.  4iil 

Symptoms. — AVhen  the  worms  exist  in  small  numbers  they 
present  little  or  no  symptoms.  If  present  in  large  numbers, 
there  will  be  symptoms  of  abdominal  pain.  Wasting  in  appear- 
ance, the  animal  becomes  i)()t  bellied,  with  recurrent  depraved, 
voracious  appetite,  dryness  of  the  skin,  and  constipation,  suc- 
ceeded by  diarrhoea.  In  some  cases  nervous  symptoms  will  be 
presented.  The  owner  may  generally  notice  that  the  animal  is 
passing  worms.    The  prognosis  is  favorable. 

Treatment. — Good  water  and  good  food  are  essential.  Clear 
the  bowels  by  giving  a  dose  of  oil  or  six  drachms  of  aloes.  Then 
give  oil  of  turpentine,  two,  three  or  four  ounces  in  a  pint  of  lin- 
seed oil.  Follow  for  seven  days  wnth  similar  treatment.  A  sharp 
cathartic  should  be  given  on  the  eighth  day,  such  as  aloes,  eight 
drachms.  Santonin  in  one  to  two  drachm  doses  may  be  given. 
Another  remedy  is  highly  spoken  of,  as  follows:  Pulverized 
antimony  tartar,  one-half  ounce;  calomel,  one-half  drachm.  Oil 
of  Felix  mass,  one  drachm;  oil  of  savin,  one  drachm;  pulverized 
ginger,  one  drachm;  turpentine,  one  ounce,  is  also  a  good  remedy. 

OXYURIS  CURVULA. 

These  are  small,  white  worms,  of  needle  or  whip  form.  They 
are  from  one  and  three-quarters  to  four  inches  in  length.  They 
are  found  in  the  large  intestines,  and  in  great  numbers.  They 
inhabit  the  colon,  being  very  abundant  in  the  flexures  of  that  in- 
testine, but  are  more  numerous  in  the  rectum.  They  escape  by 
the  anus,  and  cause  irritation  by  the  horse  rubbing  its  tail  against 
any  hard  substance,  or  suddenly  lifting  the  tail  and  turning  it  or 
switching  while  traveling.  There  is  a  yellow  incrustation  around 
the  anus  and  adjacent  skin,  formed  by  eggs  of  the  worms  dis- 
charged from  the  body. 

Treatment. — It  is  very  diflficult  to  destroy  these  parasites. 
Injections  of  common  salt  in  solution  are  beneficial.  Three  ounces 
of  turpentine  and  common  oil  should  be  given  daily  for  several 
weeks.  Tincture  of  aconite  in  the  usual  doses  may  be  tried. 
When  associated  with  emaciation  and  debility,  four  drachms  of 


432  THE    STOCK    owner's    AL)\ISER. 

the  sulphate  of  iron  may  be  given  with  advantage.  Decoctions 
made  of  quassia,  gentian,  or  wormwood,  given  as  an  enema,  may 
be  tried.  The  introduction  of  a  small  piece  of  mercurial  oint- 
ment into  the  rectum  is  said  to  act  very  well.  The  animal's  con- 
dition should  be  attended  to,  and  effort  must  be  made  to  render 
his  body  an  unfit  habitation  for  parasites.  If  the  condition  of  the 
animal  is  good,  parasites  are  not  seen;  or,  if  present,  they  will  not 
multiply. 

STEONGYLUS  TETRACANTHUS. 

These  worms  are  found  in  the  caecum,  and  when  matured  are 
found  in  other  portions  of  the  bowels.  The  symptoms  are  not 
observed  until  several  hours  before  death.  They  may  wound  the 
walls  of  the  A^essels,  so  as  to  cause  intestinal  hemorrhage  and 
diarrhoea.     A  cure  may  be  effected. 

Treatment. — Give  oil  of  tar  in  one  or  two  drachm  doses,  night 
and  morning,  for  several  weeks. 

BACTEEIA. 

The  vegetable  organisms,  which  have  been  found  connected 
with  the  disease  of  animals,  are  ])lants  in  which  no  distinction 
exists  between  stem  and  leaf,  belonging  to  the  class  of  fungi. 
The  pathological  fungi  are  of  three  kinds — bacteria,  yeast,  and 
molds.  The  bacteria,  besides  causing  putrefaction  and  several 
of  the  fermentations,  include  most  of  the  organisms  which  are 
believed  to  produce  infective  diseases.  They  are,  therefore,  by 
far  the  most  important  group.  They  are  rounded,  ovoid,  or 
spiral  in  shape;  are  unicellular  and  devoid  of  chlorophyll.  They 
consist  of  protoplasm  enclosed  in  a  membrane,  having  a  great 
affinity  for  certain  stains,  and,  in  common  with  vegetable  mat- 
ters, are  not  destroyed  by  ammonia,  potash,  or  weak  acids.  They 
have  the  power  of  production,  and  some  of  them  have  motion. 

Each  variety  of  fungus  seems  to  differ  more  or  less  from  all 
others  in  its  food  requirements,  but  all  must  be  supplied  with  the 
materials  of  which  they  consist.     These  are  carbon,  hydrogen, 


PARASITIC     DISEASES     OF     THE     HORSE.  433 

nitrogen,  phosphorus,  sulphur,  calcium,  magnesium,  and  potas- 
sium. The  presence  of  water  is  essential  to  the  development  of 
all  fungi,  as  a  medium  for  conveying  oxygen  and  food  sub- 
stances into  the  cell.  Each  organism  flourishes  best  at  its  special 
temperature.  It  is  held  that  bacteria  do  not  reproduce  at  5°  C, 
and  many  require  a  much  higher  point;  but  they  do  not  neces- 
sarily die  at  lower  temperature.  Some  are  not  killed  by  the 
greatest  cold,  and  it  is  uncertain  that  any  die  from  extreme  cold. 
Some  bacteria  are  frozen  in  fluids  at  minus  110°  C.  without  in- 
jury- 

These  organisms  are  found  in  putrid  wounds,  in  which  they 
fairly  swarm.  They  may  enter  from  the  exterior,  developing 
only  under  special  circumstances;  or  they  may  be  spontaneously 
generated  in  the  body  under  special  circumstances,  from  ele- 
ments of  the  tisues.  Earth,  air,  or  water  may  be  the  habitat  of 
germs  external  to  the  liody.  They  exist  in  earth  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  putrefaction.  Koch  found  that  all  organisms  are 
absent  at  a  depth  of  one  meter  in  soil  not  recently  disturbed  in 
winter,  and  not  formed  largely  of  decomposing  material,  and  into 
which  no  usual  leakage  of  water  occurs. 

Dust  contains  much  organic  matter,  as  is  easily  shown  by  com- 
bustion, and  cultivation  proves  that  some  of  this  is  living.  The 
air  is  supplied  with  organisms  swept  by  currents  from  objects 
over  which  they  pass.  The  dust  left  as  the  final  result  of  putre- 
faction is  a  fertile  source  of  contamination.  Perfectly  still  air 
becomes  pure  by  subsidence  of  its  germs.  All  water,  except  such 
as  comes  from  a  gTeat  depth,  as  in  Artesian  wells,  contains  or- 
ganisms. Rain  water  sweeps  the  air  and  infects  the  soil  with  the 
germs  which  it  carries  down.  All  surface  water  is  infected  from 
the  ground  through  which  it  soaks,  and  too  often  shallow  wells 
are  contaminated  by  sewerage.  Tviver  water  is  ex]iosod  to  all 
possible  sources  of  pollution. 

These  organisms  exist  in  large  numbers  on  the  external  skin, 
and  internally  on  the  bronchial  and  alimentary  surfaces  which 
are  in  contact  with  air.  They  are  carried  into  the  alimentary 
28 


434  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

canal  by  food  and  drink.  All  kinds  of  fungi  swarm  in  the  mouth. 
Organisms  are  present  in  healthy  bodies.  They  probably  pass 
continually  through  the  pulmonary  and  intestinal  mucous  mem- 
brane, but  in  small  numbers.  Such  as  ordinarily  thus  enter  the 
tissues  are  unable  to  develoj),  so  long  as  the  body  is  healthy.  All 
organisms,  perhaps,  flourish  best  in  tissues  of  Avhich  the  vitality 
is  impaired;  some,  probably,  cannot  develop  unless  this  is  the 
case,  and  still  others  cannot  multiply  at  all  in  living  tissue.  The 
a-cute  specific  diseases,  heretofore  referred  to,  are  now  regarded 
as  forming  a  class  of  the  much  larger  groups  of  infective  diseases. 

An  infective  disease  may  be  defined  as  a  disease  due  to  the 
action  of  a  poison  or  virus,  which  has  the  power  of  invading  and 
multiplying  in  living  tissue.  A  contagious  disease  is  communi- 
cable only  from  individual  to  individual,  the  name  implying 
actual  contact  with  the  poison.  Infectious  diseases  are  communi- 
cable without  actual  contact  with  the  poison,  the  victim  usually 
being  attacked  from  a  distance. 

Bacteria  are  the  causes  of  many  diseases.  Their  classification 
will  not  be  given  here.  Parasites  and  diseases  which  they  pro- 
duce have  been  treated  throughout  this  work.  For  fuller  and 
more  particular  treatment  of  the  su'bject,  the  reader  is  referred 
to  special  works  on  bacteriology. 


CATTLE. 


XXXIX. 
CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

CATTLE  PLAGUE. 

This  disease,  known  also  as  Rinderpest,  is  a  specific,  malig- 
nant, and  contagious  fever,  prevailing  particularly  in  the  Asiatic 
countries.  It  is  not  known  in  America.  If  found  in  this  coun- 
try at  all,  it  arises  from  direct  or  indirect  communication  with 
imported  cattle.  The  period  of  incubation  varies  from  four  to 
eight  days,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the  local  manifestations  are 
developed.  Like  all  fevers,  it  runs  a  definite  course.  It  usually 
terminates  fatally;  but  where  recovery  takes  place,  the  animal  is 
rendered  unsusceptible  to  another  attack.  It  is  peculiar  to  the 
bovine  family,  but  has  been  communicated  to  sheep,  goat,  deer, 
camel,  giraffe,  antelope,  and  gazelle. 

The  disease  is  induced  by  a  streptococcus,  which  causes  a 
morbid  state  of  the  blood.  Serum  obtained  from  the  blood  of 
affected  animals  may  produce  the  disease  in  another  animal  by 
inoculation.  The  morbid  poison  is  also  contained  in  the  dis- 
charge from  the  mouth,  eyes,  and  intestinal  canal.  If  a  small 
portion  of  this  be  placed  in  the  blood  of  a  healthy  animal,  the 
whole  mass  of  blood  will  become  infected  in  forty-eight  hours, 
and  if  a  small  portion  of  this  newly  inoculated  blood  be  inocu- 
lated in  still  another  animal,  it  will  transmit  enough  poison  to 
give  the  disease  to  the  other  animal.  The  morbid  poison  may  be 
diffused  and  the  disease  communicated  by  the  air  for  a  distance 
of  about  five  hundred  yards;  but  it  is  said  that  beyond  this  dis- 
tance the  poison  is  inoperative.  It  is  also  conveyed  by  flies, 
which,  after  rising  from  a  sick  animal  or  its  offal,  alight  on 
healthy  animals.  Many  theories  have  been  advanced  as  to  the 
true  nature  of  the  plague  and  its  identity  with  various  human 

(437) 


438  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

diseases.  German  pathologists  held  for  a  considerable  period 
that  the  disease  was  a  precise  counterpart  of  typhoid  or  enteric 
fever.  Dr.  Murchirons,  however,  successfully  combated  the 
theory,  pointing  out  its  error,  and  declaring  that  it  had  no  re- 
semblance to  typhoid  fever,  tyj^hus,  scarlatina,  erysipelas,  in- 
fluenza, or  dysentery,  but  that  it  resembles  small-pox.  He  was 
so  enthusiastic  in  his  theory  that  it  led  to  the  belief  in  vaccina- 
tion as  a  preventive,  and  during  the  plague  of  1866  the  cattle 
were  immediately  vaccinated  throughout  the  country;  but  it 
proved  a  total  failure. 

Symptojfs. — The  fever,  as  s'hown  by  elevation  of  the  tem- 
perature, begins  when  the  poison  has  infected  the  whole  mass  of 
blood,  or  within  about  forty  to  sixty  hours  after  its  entrance 
into  the  system.  Two  days  after  the  perceptible  rise  in  tempera- 
ture has  begun,  an  eruption  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the 
mouth  is  seen;  almost  simultaneously  with  this  appearance  of 
the  mouth,  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  vagina  of  the  cow  is 
peculiarly  affected.  It  is  stated  that  one  or  the  other  of  these 
signs  is  rarely  absent.  On  the  day  following  the  eruption  in  the 
mouth,  or  about  seventy-two  'hours  after  the  first  elevation  of 
temperature,  the  animal  may  be  dbserved  to  have  less  appetite 
than  usual,  and  to  ruminate  irregularly.  On  the  following  day, 
the  fourth  from  the  first  rise  of  temperature,  the  animal  for  the 
first  time  shows  marked  symptoms  of  illness.  Death  usually 
occurs  on  the  seventh  day  from  the  first  perceptible  elevation  of 
temperature. 

Dr.  Jessen  says:  ''The  appearances  observed  by  me  on  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  mouth,  both  in  the  natural  and  inocu- 
lated disease,  are  as  follows:  In  some  cases  small  round  nodules, 
seldom  larger  than  a  millet  seed,  are  observed,  which  are  still 
covered  with  epithelium,  through  which  a  yellowish  or  yellowish- 
gray  material  can  be  distinguished.  A  few  hours  later,  some- 
times not  till  twenty-four  hours,  the  epithelium  gives  and  the 
contents  become  visible;  hence  results  a  suj^erficial  lesion,  which, 
after  the  removal  of  the  material  lying  upon  it,  is  scarcely  recog- 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  439 

nizaHe.  It  heals  in  a  few  days,  leaving  no  cicatrix.  In  other 
cases  these  nodules  become  confluent,  giving  rise  to  an  excavated 
ulcer  of  considerable  extent,  with  irregular  margins,  which,  how- 
ever,- usually  heals  quickly,  leaving  a  cicatrix.  In  another  form 
of  the  affection,  the  epithelium  is  raised  in  the  fonn  of  small 
vesicles,  which  contain  either  a  clear  or  slightly  turbid  fluid,  and 
leave  behind  shallow,  round  excavations,  with  smooth  edges." 

The  visible  external  signs  are  shivering,  muscular  twitdhings, 
restlessness,  often  a  husky  cough,  and  yawning.  Great  dullness 
is  shown,  with  dropping  of  the  ears,  sometimes  with  excitement 
approaching  delirium,  loss  of  appetite,  suspension  of  rumination, 
and  secretion  of  milk  is  arrested.  As  the  disease  advances,  the 
animal  incessantly  grinds  its  teeth,  arches  the  back,  draws  its 
legs  together,  and  moans.  The  eyes,  mouth,  and  nose  are  at  first 
dry,  hot,  and  red;  the  legs  and  ears  generally  cold.  At  first  the 
bowels  are  constipated,  but  this  condition  is  succeeded  by  violent 
purging,  and  the  dry  condition  of  the  eye,  mouth,  and  nose  is 
followed  by  a  discharge.  The  expiratory  movement  is  rather 
long,  and  accompanied  by  a  low  moan.  The  animal  w'ill  show 
colicky  pains,  and  the  intestinal  discharges,  at  first  black,  become 
a  pale  greenish-brown  color. 

Some  few  are  said  to  recover.  In  such  cases  it  is  observed 
that  the  skin  over  the  neck  becomes  covered  with  a  yellowish 
sebaceous  secretion,  but  there  are  no  vesicles  or  pustules.  While 
the  disease  is  highly  contagious,  it  is  found  that  some  cattle 
resist  its  influence,  remaining  healthy  while  surrounded  with  the 
plague.  The  post-mortem  appearances  of  the  cattle  plague  vary 
in  (lifl'erent  stages.  In  the  first  stage,  there  is  congestion  of  the 
mucous  membranes  throughout  the  body.  The  surface  of  the 
mucous  membrane  is  covered  with  a  vesicle,  tenacious  and  with 
a  bloody  secretion.  The  membrane  is  denuded  of  its  epithelium, 
and  the  submucous  tissue  is  charged  with  a  turbid  semi-fluid 
exudate.  The  first  stomach  shows  patches  of  congestion,  and  in 
some  cases  sloughing  of  the  membrane  has  been  observed.  The 
third  stomach  is  impacted,   the  contents  dry  and  caked,  and 


440  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

moulded  to  the  papillar  surface  of  the  fold  of  the  stomach.  In 
some  cases  the  leaves  of  the  omasum  are  quite  healthy;  some- 
times they  are  highly  reddened,  the  vessels  which  radiate  from 
their  attached  borders  beinc  more  or  less  injected,  and  sloughing 
may  occur  in  patches.  The  fourth  or  true  digestive  stomach, 
the  abomasum,  shows  the  effects  of  the  disease  quite  plainly. 
The  contents  of  the  stomach  are  tluid,  and  sometimes  mixed  with 
blood.  In  addition  to  the  general  redness,  the  membrane  pre- 
sents circular  or  irregular  patches  of  a  claret  color,  varying  in 
size  from  a  mere  speck  to  a  five-cent  piece.  The  color  may  be 
uniform  over  the  patches,  but  at  other  times  it  may  be  limited  to 
its  circumference,  forming  a  colored  rim,  with  a  central  grayish- 
yellow  portion.  In  the  small  intestines  spots  of  inflammation 
exist.  I'lie  discolorations  vary,  some  spots  being  scarlet  or  rose 
red,  while  others  are  of  the  deepest  purple.  The  large  intestines 
are  also  afl^ected.  The  lining  membrane  of  the  respiratory  organs 
jiresents  signs  of  congestion.  The  lungs  and  heart  show  well- 
marked  signs  of  the  disease. 

Treatment. — Treatment  is  unsuccessful.  The  disease  when 
induced  by  inoculation  has  proved  of  a  less  severe  nature,  and 
the  percemtage  of  recoveries  has  been  greater  than  in  cases  in- 
duced naturally;  but  it  is  almost  as  severe  as  that  arising  from 
natural  rinderpest.  If  it  should  gain  access  to  our  shores,  there 
is  only  one  method  of  dealing  with  it,  and  that  is  to  stamp  it  out 
by  destroying  not  only  all  affected  with  it,  but  also  those  which 
have  been  in  contact  with  iiffectcd  animals. 

CONTAGIOUS  PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

This  is  a  contagious  febrile  disease  peculiar  to  horned  cattle. 
It  is  due  to  a  sjoecific  virus  which  gains  access  to  the  system,  by 
the  lungs.  The  incubative  stage  is  slow,  being  two  weeks  or  a 
month,  and  the  progress  of  the  disease  is  also  of  lingering  char- 
acter. The  disease  induces  an  extensive  exudation  within  the 
substance  of  the  lungs,  and  upon  the  surface  of  the  pleura,  ulti- 
mately resulting  in  consolidation  of  the  lungs.    This  disease  was 


CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES   OF   CATTLE.  441 

brought  to  our  own  shores.  It  first  originated  in  central  Europe, 
and  finally  spread  all  over  Europe.  It  gained  access  to  America, 
Great  Britain,  Africa,  India,  Australia,  and  New  Zealand.  The 
first  appearance  of  the  disease  in  the  United  States  was  in  the 
year  1843.  The  disease  prevailed  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
United  States,  in  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Delaware,  Maryland, 
Pennsylvania,  and  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, and  later  in  Ohio,  Kentucky,  and  Tennessee. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  may  run  a  rapid  course,  destroying 
life  in  a  few  days,  but  the  majority  of  cases  run  from  two  to  eight 
weeks.  The  animal,  becoming  much  emaciated,  finally  succumbs 
to  an  exhausting  diarrhoea,  hydrothorax,  and  blood  poisoning. 
The  first  symptom  is  an  increase  of  temperature.  Investigation 
has  proven  that  extensive  changes  may  exist  without  elevation  of 
temperature.  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  depended  upon  as  a  guide 
to  its  true  commencement.  But  it  is  of  great  importance  during 
an  outbreak  to  make  examinations  with  the  thermometer,  in 
order  to  warn  the  owners  of  stock  in  time  to  isolate  the  animal. 
In  suspected  herds,  if  any  should  show  a  temperature  of  102 
degrees,  it  should  be  regarded  with  suspicion.  When  the  disease 
is  well  established  the  temperature  rises  to  105  or  lOG  degTees, 
and  in  some  cases  107°  F.  There  will  be  slight  shivering,  loss 
of  appetite,  diminished  secretion  of  milk,  knuckling  Over  of  the 
right  hind  fetlock,  and  the  painful  cough  of  pleurisy.  Kuinina- 
tion  becomes  irregular,  the  animal  appears  fuller  than  the  rest 
of  the  cattle,  although  not  eating.  The  bowels  are  constipated, 
the  urine  scanty  and  highly  colored,  and  the  animal  is  hide- 
bound. Auscultation  at  this  stage  of  the  disease  will  denote 
nothing  unusual.  The  animal  may  show  signs  of  improvement, 
and  may  ultimately  recover,  or  may  pass  on  to  the  second  stage 
of  the  diseascj  when  all  of  the  symptoms  above  mentioned  are 
intensified.  The  anmial  stands  with  the  elbows  turned  out,  the 
back  arched,  the  limbs  drawn  under  the  body  and  knuckling  over 
at  the  fetlocks.  When  in  a  recumbent  position,  he  throws  fhe 
weight  upon  the  sternum.     The  breathing  becomes  painful,  ac- 


442  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

companied  'by  'a  grunt  or  moan.  A  discharge  sometimes  issues 
from  the  eyes  and  nose,  the  horns  and  ears  are  cold,  and  no  sound 
is  heard  on  auscultation.  A  slight  tympanitic  condition  may 
occur,  with  an  offensive  diarrhoea,  grating  of  the  teeth,  and  gan- 
grene of  the  lungs,  followed  by  death.  Young  animals  are  more 
subject  to  the  disease  than  old  ones. 

PosT-MoKTEM  Appearances. — There  is  a  dullness  of  the 
pleura,  the  substance  of  the  lungs  is  red  and  congested,  giving 
them  a  marbled  appearance.  There  is  a  consolidation  of  the 
lung,  which  will  sink  when  placed  in  water.  The  pleura  is  also 
involved,  and  an  effusion  into  the  ])leural  cavity  has  taken  place. 
The  ribs  present  a  bare  appearance,  being  stripped  of  their 
pleural  covering,  and  have  an  unnaturally  white  appearance. 
The  disease  is  susceptible  of  transmission  from  sick  to  healthy 
animals  by  cohabitation,  or  even  without  immediate  contact,  as 
it  may  be  taken  at  a  distance.  Stables  occupied  by  diseased  ani- 
mals are  not  safe  for  healthy  cattle  for  several  months.  The 
disease  has  been  produced  in  healthy  animals  by  allowing  them 
to  run  upon  pastures  three  months  after  diseased  cattle  have 
occupied  them.  Hay  soiled  by  infected  animals  has  also  produced 
the  disease  three  months  afterwards.  Twenty  per  cent  of  ani- 
mals resist  the  contagion.  Eighty  per  cent  manifest  various 
effects  of  its  influence.  Fifty  per  cent  are  seized  with  decided 
symptoms  of  pleuro-pneumonia,  and  of  these  fifteen  per  cent 
succumb. 

Treatment. — Treatment  is  not  advisable.  Slaughter  and 
burial  is  the  most  effectual  remedy. 

Disinfection. — All  sheds,  cow-houses,  or  other  premises 
which  have  contained  cattle  affected  with  the  disease,  should  be 
thoroughly  cleansed  and  disinfected.  The  best  and  cheapesit  way 
is  to  burn  sulphur  in  the  buildings;  to  whitewash  the  stalls,  roof, 
and  every  portion  of  the  building  with  lime  wash  containing 
carbolic  acid,  in  proportion  of  one  pint  of  crude  acid  to  each 
bucketful  of  whitewash. 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES   OF  CATTLE,  443 

Inoculation. — Inoculation  has  been  practiced  for  a  number  of 
years,  at  first  with  not  much  success;  but  later  with  a  great  de- 
gree of  success.  Inoculation  produces  not  the  disease,  but  a 
fever  which  is  easily  overcome;  after  which  the  animal  is  safe 
from  pleuro-pneumonia.  The  method  of  inoculation  is  as  fol- 
lows: The  blood  and  the  serous  and  frothy  liquid  are  squeezed 
from  the  lungs  of  a  diseased  animal  in  the  first  stages  of  pleuro- 
pneumonia. The  fluid  while  warm  is  placed  in  a  strainer,  over 
a  clean  glass  bowl  covered  over  with  cloths  to  prevent  dust,  and 
to  keep  it  warm.  The  fluid,  if  not  required  for  immediate  use, 
is  to  be  placed  in  glass  tubes  or  bottles,  and  the  tube  hermetically 
sealed  by  a  blow-pipe  flame.  The  tip  of  the  tail  should  be  se- 
lected for  inoculation,  and  the  superior  is  better  than  the  in- 
ferior surface  of  the  tip.  The  tip  of  the  tail  is  selected  because 
it  can  be  easily  amputated,  should  giangrene  occur.  The  hair 
should  be  removed  from  the  spot,  and  the  skin  scarified  super- 
ficially, A  single  drop  of  the  virus  should  then  be  placed  on  the 
scarified  spot.  At  a  period  varying  from  a  week  to  two  months, 
a  slight  heat  and  swelling  occurs  around  the  inoculated  spot; 
generally,  however,  the  eruption  manifests  itself  from  the  ninth 
to  the  sixteenth  day,  accompanied  by  slight  rigor,  loss  of  appetite, 
and  slightly  diminished  secretion  of  milk.  The  inoculation 
method  has  not  yet  been  fully  established.  Laws  have  been  en- 
acted whereby  all  animals  suffering  from  an  attack  of  pleuro- 
pneumonia, or  in  any  way  having  been  exposed  to  the  infection, 
shall  be  slaughtered  within  a  specified  time. 

FOOT  AND  MOUTH  DISEASE. 

This  disease  is  also  known  as  eczema,  contagiosa,  and  by  many 
other  names.  Tliis  is  a  liighly  contagious  and  infectious  febrile 
disease,  characterized  l)y  secular  eruptions  in  the  mouth,  between 
the  pedal  digits  and  around  the  coronets.  In  some  cases  the 
eruptions  are  absent  in  the  mouth  and  present  only  in  tlie  feet, 
and  vice  versa.  Eruptions  arc  sometimes  seen  in  connection  with 
the  mammary  glands;  when  such  occurs  the  milk  is  unfit  for  use. 


444  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Thi^  disease  is  not  confined  exclusively  to  cattle,  but  affects  sheep, 
pigs,  dogs,  poultry,  and  even  human  beings.  Cattle,  however, 
are  more  susceptible  to  the  influence  of  the  contagious  poison. 
The  period  of  incubation  is  very  sliort,  varying  from  twenty-four 
hours  to  three  or  four  days.  The  disease  is  characterized  by  an 
elevation  of  temperature,  of  from  two  to  four  degrees;  the  pres- 
ence of  vesicles  on  the  tongue,  lips,  and  roof  of  the  mouth,  be- 
tween the  digits,  and  around  the  coronets,  and  in  some  cases  on 
the  udder.  There  is  a  discharge  from  the  nose  and  eyes.  The 
symptoms  of  the  presence  of  vesicles  in  the  mouth  are  shown  by 
the  animal  constantly  moving  the  lips,  champing  of  the  jaws,  a 
flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth,  and  difficulty  in  feeding.  When 
affecting  the  feet,  there  is  some  degree  of  lameness.  These  symp- 
toms arise  from  the  elimination  of  the  poison  from  the  system; 
when  eliminated  by  the  feet  and  mouth,  pastures  become  impreg- 
nated with  it.  In  this  way  it  is  spread,  being  carried  from  pas- 
ture to  pasture,  and  across  the  country  by  dogs  and  small  game. 
An  animal  is  never  attacked  more  than  once  in  a  season,  as  a 
rule.  The  milk  of  a  cow  suffering  from  foot  and  mouth  disease 
should  not  be  given  to  pigs,  young  calves,  or  to  human  beings. 
The  loss  to  dairymen  from  the  diminished  secretion  of  milk,  con- 
sequent on  foot  and  mouth  disease,  is  very  great.  On  an  average 
the  loss  would  be  about  twenty  dollars  a  head. 

Treatment. — Foot  and  mouth  disease  is  one  that  terminates 
in  recovery.  Mild  cases  require  little  medicinal  treatment. 
Plenty  of  good,  cold  water  is  generally  all  that  is  necessary,  with 
the  addition  of  soft  food,  as  bran  mashes.  If  the  fever  be  very 
high  an  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash,  dissolved  in  each  bucket  of 
water,  and  thirty  drops  of  aconite  administered  every  four  or  five 
hours.  The  feet  should  be  carefully  washed,  and  acid  carbolic, 
drachms  six;  lead  acetate,  ounces  two;  zinc  sulphate,  ounce  one 
and  a  half;  water  one  quart;  creolin  is  excellent. 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  445 


VARIOLA  VACCINAE   (Cow-Pox). 

This  disease  is  seen  in  most  parts  of  the  glo'be,  and  is  not  at- 
tended with  any  great  fatality.  It  is  a  contagious,  febrile,  and 
eruptive  disease,  resulting  from  the  presence  of  a  specific  virus 
in  the  body.  The  period  of  incubation  is  from  six  to  nine  days. 
The  disease  causes  eruptions,  principally  upon  the  mammary 
gland.  The  disease  runs  a  definite  and  mild  course,  and  destroys 
the  susceptibility  of  the  affected  animal  to  another  attack.  The 
origin  of  the  disease  is  not  known.  Jenner  believed  that  cow- 
pox  and  small-pox  had  their  common  origin  in  the  ''grease"  of  the 
horse.  AVhether  man  had  the  disease  communicated  to  him  from 
the  lower  animals,  or  whether  horses  and  cows  had  it  from  man 
is  not  determined.  The  origin  will  perhaps  forever  remain  a 
mystery.  But  let  that  be  as  it  may,  the  disease,  through  the 
experiments  of  Jenner,  who  directly  communicated  it  by  vacci- 
nation from  the  lower  to  the  higher  animals,  has  proved  a  bless- 
ing to  millions  of  the  human  race.  The  local  symptoms  of  true 
variola  are  heat,  swelling,  and  tenderness  of  the  teats  for  three 
or  four  days,  followed  by  irregular  pimples,  more  particularly 
about  the  base  of  the  teats.  When  the  pimples  are  about  the 
size  of  a  ])ea  they  assume  a  red  hue.  They  gradually  increase  in 
size,  are  painful  and  hard,  becoming  circular  in  form  on  the 
udder  and  oblong  on  the  teats.  Finally,  they  rise  in  the  center, 
become  pointed,  and  contain  at  first  a  clear,  and  ultimately  a  tur- 
bid, fluid.  They  reach  their  maximum  size  about  the  tenth  day, 
and  are  then  pustular;  as  the  pustules  dry,  dark  brown  or  black 
solid  scabs  or  crusts  form  upon  the  surface.  Vesicles,  pustules, 
and  scabs  may  be  seen  on  the  teat  at  any  time.  The  crusts,  if  left 
undisturbed,  gradually  become  thicker  and  darker,  until  about 
the  fourteenth  day;  at  the  end  of  three  weeks  they  spontaneously 
separate,  leaving  shallow,  smooth,  oval,  or  circular  pits  of  a  pale 
rose  color,  with  some  traces  of  surrounding  induration.  If  the 
vesicles  are  broken  during  their  progress,  troublesome  sores  su- 
pervene, the  discharge  from  which  will  communicate  thie  disease 


44G  THE    STOCK    OWWEU'S    ADVISER. 

to  the  milker,  if  he  is  not  already  protected  by  previous  vaccina- 
tion. The  flow  of  milk  is  arrested  to  a  certain  extent,  and  there 
is  a  rise  in  the  temperature.  Pyrexia  is  always  present.  The 
disease  seldom  or  never  proves  fatal  in  this  country.  In  hot 
climates,  however,  it  is  more  severe;  the  symptoms  being  suc- 
ceeded by  abdominal  pain,  profuse  diarrhoea,  rapid  wasting  of 
flesh,  and  death. 

Treatmext. — In  severe  cases  a  laxative  may  be  given,  and 
carbolized  oil  used  locally,  or  the  calamine  ointment  may  be  used. 
Great  care  must;  be  exercised  to  prevent  exposure  to  draughts  of 
cold  air.  The  animal  should  be  isolated  from  the  rest  of  the  herd. 
When  once  the  disease  breaks  out  in  a  dairy,  it  is  apt  to  spread 
to  the  whole  herd  unless  precaution  be  taken  by  separating  all 
affected  animals  and  the  employment  of  separate  attendants.  The 
milker  of  an  affected  cow  should  not  touch  a  healthy  one.  The 
milk  should  be  drawn  off  with  a  teat  syphon,  and  if  the  mammary 
gland  becomes  much  swollen,  fomentations  should  be  used,  with 
treatment  as  in  a  case  of  mammitis. 

The  contagium  of  variola  vaccinae  is  an  extremely  small  form 
of  micrococcus,  usually  called  the  diplococcus  variohie  et  vaccinae. 
Jenner  was  the  first  investigator  who  discovered  the  identity  of 
cow-pox  and  small-pox.  The  results  of  his  investigations  have 
saved  the  lives  of  millions  of  the  human  race. 

ANTHRAX. 

The  symptoms  of  anthrax  fever  in  the  ox  are  similar  to  those 
in  the  horse.  For  full  information  as  to  the  nature  of  the  disease, 
see  Anthrax  of  the  Horse.  The  ox  suddenly  goes  off  its  feed; 
rumination  is  suspended;  there  are  rigors  and  tremblings,  and 
partial  sweats  bedew  the  bod}^,  which  is  alternately  hot  and  cold. 
The  gait  becomes  staggering,  and  the  animal  rapidly  exhausted. 
The  animal  lies  down  and  is  not  able  to  rise.  He  looks  to  the 
sides,  falls  into  convulsions,  and  may  expel  soft,  bloody  matter 
by  the  anus.  The  heart  beats  violently,  the  pulse  is  small,  rapid, 
and  intermittent;  the  conjunctiva  shows  a  blackish-red  tint;  the 


CONTAGIONS  DISEASES   OF  CATTLE.  447 

respirations  are  panting;  the  abdomen  tympanitic;  the  lung  blush 
red;  the  mouth  is  filled  with  mucous,  and  there  is  an  escape  of 
blood  from  the  nose;  the  eyes  are  sunk,  and  tears  flow  over  the 
cheeks.  Death  may  take  place  in  a  few  minutes  or  in  twenty 
hours.  In  cattle  above  two  years  old,  particularly  milch  cows, 
the  spleen  is  greatly  congested.  This  gave  rise  to  the  name, 
splenic  fever.  In  true  splenic  apoplexy,  the  spleen  is  enlarged 
and  its  capsules  distended  with  a  mass  of  tar-like  blood.  In  an- 
other form  of  anthrax,  without  external  tumors,  the  most  promi- 
nent sign  is  a  passage  from  the  bowels  of  a  quantity  of  dark 
colored  blood. 

Death  from  splenic  fever  is  very  sudden.  An  animal,  a  few 
hours  before  in  good  health,  may  be  found  dead,  having  died 
apparently  without  a  struggle,  though  some  cases  may  linger 
several  days.     The  disease  is  seldom  seen  in  this  country. 

For  treatment  in  cattle,  see  the  treatment  of  anthrax  in  the 
hoi-se.  Food  from  diseased  animals  should  be  strictly  for'bidden. 
Milk  from  cows  afi"ected  with  anthrax  is  unfit  for  the  use  of  man 
or  other  animals.  All  incurable  animals  should  be  destroyed  and 
buried  deeply,  and  all  alimentary  matter  buried  witli  them. 
Those  that  are  curable  should  be  isolated  from  the  herd  and  the 
place  disinfected  thoroughly. 

QUARTER  ILL,  OR  BLACK  LEG. 

This  disease,  under  numerous  names,  is  well  known  to  stock- 
raisers.  It  is  frequently  seen  in  this  country.  Tlie  disease 
affects  cattle  and  sheep  only,  and  is  due  to  the  presence  of  an 
organism.  It  occurs  much  more  frequently  in  young  animals 
than  in  old  ones.  Animals  affected  under  two  yeai*s  old  almost 
invariably  die,  but  animals  over  that  age  frequently  recover.  It 
is  seldom  seen  in  calves  under  six  months  old,  unless  fed  exclu- 
sively on  a  diet  other  than  a  milk  one.  The  disease  occurs  most 
frequently  when  animals  are  changed  from  one  pasture  to  an- 
other, especially  when  changed  from  poor  feeding  to  rich  pas- 
tures.    The  disease  is  also  most  prevalent  in  low-lying  lands. 


448  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Symptoms. — There  is  loss  of  appetite,  dullness^  cessation  of 
rumination,  harsliness,  and  starring  of  the  coat,  elevation  of  tem- 
perature, rigors,  coldness  of  the  extremities,  lameness  or  stiffness 
when  moved,  and  arching  of  the  Lack.  If  the  skin  'be  examined, 
tumors  will  be  found  forming  under  it  in  some  parts  of  the  body. 
The  tumors  may  occur  in  any  part  of  the  body,  but  most  fre- 
quently in  the  shoulder  or  tlie  loius,  and  more  frequently  on  the 
right  side  than  on  the  left.  The  tumors  are  ill-defined  and  have 
no  lining  membranes.  They  are  first  hot  and  painful  to  the 
touch,  and  then  become  cold  and  insensitive.  If  incised,  a  dark 
colored  and  fetid  fluid  is  discharged.  As  the  disease  progresses, 
the  tumors  enlarge  and  the  animal  shows  great  pain.  The  breath- 
ing becomes  hurried,  the  temperature  rises,  the  pulse  beats  120 
to  130  per  minute;  tympanitis  varies  in  individual  cases.  In  some 
cases  there  are  lameness  and  stiffness  in  one  limb,  with  no  ap- 
pearance of  a  tumor.  In  some  there  are  symptoms  of  derange- 
ment of  the  digestive  organs.  On  post-mortem  examination,  the 
animal  is  found  to  be  enormously  swollen.  Bloody  froth  is  seen 
issuing  from  the  mouth,  nostrils,  and  anus.  On  opening  the  ani- 
mal gases  of  bad  odor  escape,  accompanied  by  spurts  of  dark 
blood.  The  tumors  are  black,  and  are  found  principally  in  the 
loins  and  withers.  In  some  parts  of  the  country  such  animals  are 
used  for  human  food.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  dangerous 
to  human  life.  The  disease  is  due  to  a  very  small  germ  measur- 
ing from  -^-^^jy-Q  to  -g-oVir  i^^h  in  length.  The  germs  are  found 
principally  in  the  tumor.  Protective  inoculation  has  been 
practiced  with  great  success,  rendering  the  animal  immune  to 
the  disease.  The  germs  are  taken  from  the  tumor  and  injected 
into  the  jugular  vein  by  means  of  a  hypodermic  syringe.  The 
blackest  portion  of  the  tumor  is  cut  into  small  pieces,  mixed  with 
distilled  water,  then  triturated  in  a  mortar,  squeezed  through 
cloth,  and  filtered  through  folds  of  muslin.  Five  to  ten  drops  of 
this  fluid  is  used  as  an  injection. 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES   OF  CATTLE.  449 


TEXAN  FEVER. 

This  disease  has  been  described  as  anthrax.  In  this  conntry  the 
term  is  applied  to  diseases  arising  from  various  causes,  as  ticks, 
and  want  of  water  during  hot  months.  Dr.  Salmon  and  Dr.  Cam- 
bridge claim  through  their  experiments  that  the  disease  is  due  to 
a  particular  micrococcus,  and  that  by  vaccination  the  animal  is 
able  to  resist  the  contagium.  I  have  frequently  met  with  fever 
in  cattle  confined  to  low  lands,  especially  in  the  cattle  of  Virginia. 
Cattle  brought  from  the  low  lands  of  Virginia  to  the  moun- 
tainous parts  of  the  State  suffer  greatly  with  the  disease.  It 
occurs  during  the  hot  summer  months  when  grasses  are  ripe  and 
the  water  becoming  low.  I  have  seen  as  many  as  fifteen  die  in 
a  herd  in  one  day.  This  condition  was  caused  by  malarial  in- 
fluences. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  will  be  noticed  to  stray  from  the  herd, 
its  head  hanging  low  and  the  breathing  rapid.  The  muzzle  is 
hot  and  dry,  and  the  animal  greatly  fevered.  The  bowels  are  con- 
stipated and  the  urine  dark  or  of  a  violet  color.  The  animal  after 
about  twelve  hours  sickness  grates  its  teeth,  shows  abdominal 
pain,  the  breathing  becomes  more  labored,  and  the  eyes  take  on 
an  amaurotic  condition.  The  animal  staggers,  falls,  and  dies  in 
a  few  hours. 

Treatment. — Medicinal  remedies  are  of  no  use,  either  in 
young  or  old  cattle.  Purgatives  of  every  description,  and  in 
various  quantities,  have  no  effect  on  the  bowels,  and  when  the 
disease  once  attacks  an  animal  no  remedies  can  save  it.  The  dis- 
ease indicates  the  use  of  purgatives,  enemas,  and  the  chlorate  of 
potash,  but,  as  stated  liefore,  a  cure  cannot  be  affected. 

Preventive  Treatment. — I  have  always  changed  the  ani- 
mals to  another  pasture,  selecting  a  field  of  new  clover  or  new, 
fresh  pastures.  If  in  low  countries,  where  the  new  grasses  can- 
not be  ol)tained,  they  may  be  lierded  around  the  swamps,  eating 
grasses  in  close  proximity  to  the  water  only.  Each  animal  should 
29 


450  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 

receive  a  pound  of  epsom  salts  and  a  pound  of  table  salt  in  a 
drench,  when  changed  to  the  new  pasture.  This  treatment  will 
effectually  stamp  out  the  disease  in  a  few  days'  time. 

PosT-MoRTEM. — The  post-mortem  revealed  the  fecal  matter 
in  the  reticulum  dry  and  caked  to  the  mucous  membrane,  the 
bladder  distended  with  dark  or  purple  colored  urine.  This  dis- 
ease resembles  Texan  fever  and  anthrax,  but  it  is  not  the  same 
disease,  as  is  generally  supposed.  It  is  no  doubt  due  to  the  effects 
of  climate  and  the  condition  of  pastures  and  water. 

TUBEECULOSIS. 

This  disease  is  commonly  known  as  consumption,  and  is  due 
to  a  vegetable  parasite,  the  bacillus  tuberculosis.  It  affects  man 
and  all  other  animals,  but  is  much  more  prevalent  in  cattle.  In 
1882  Koch  announced  his  discovery  of  the  bacillus  or  germ  of 
tuberculosis,  and  was  the  first  to  demonstrate,  by  a  special  pro- 
cess of  staining,  the  constant  presence  of  the  peculiar  bacilli  in 
cases  of  acute  tuberculosis.  The  bacillus  is  a  small,  rod-shaped 
organism  from  one  seven-thousandth  to  one  ten-thousandth  of  an 
inch  long,  and  one-tenth  as  broad.  They  are  usually  straight,  but 
may  be  curved.  They  occur  singly,  but  sometimes  by  pairs. 
Multiplication  is  very  slow,  and  takes  place  by  division,  by  spore 
formation.  They  multiply  only  in  the  body  of  man  and  other 
animals.  They  cannot  multiply  external  to  the  body,  but  can 
live  and  retain  their  virulence,  external  to  the  body,  for  forty- 
three  days  in  putrid  sputum,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  days  in 
the  dry  state.  The  bacillus  enters  the  body  through  wounds  or 
broken  skin.  The  mucous  membrane,  pulmonary  and  diges'tive, 
affords  passage,  and  is  the  most  frequent  mode  of  entry.  In  the 
former,  the  germs  are  inhaled  in  the  form  of  dust;  in  the  latter, 
they  are  taken  in  the  alimentary  canal  by  infected  milk  or  meat. 
Having  found  a  spot  in  which  it  can  grow,  the  'bacillus  proceeds 
to  multiply.  Most  bacilli  are  taken  up  by  cells,  which  enlarge 
into  giant  cells  and  become  the  centers  of  typical  tuberculosis. 
Their  presence  excites  more  or  less  inflammation,  and  cassation 


CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES   OF   CATTLE.  451 

soon  follows,  the  nearest  lymphates  becoming  affected.  The 
mode  of  spread  is  by  continuity  of  tissue,  and  by  lymphatic  veins, 
arteries,  and  'by  the  affection,  of  one  part  from  another.  The 
germs  may  pass  through  the  lungs,  thence  by  the  pulmonary 
capillaries  to  the  systemic  circulation.  "We  are  able  to  recognize 
the  presence  of  tuberculosis  in  the  dead  animal  by  the  character- 
istic tubercles — the  formations  which  give  the  disease  its  name. 
These  tubercles  are  small,  hard  masses,  which  may  be  present  in 
almost  any  part  of  the  body,  but  are  most  frequently  found  in 
the  lungs,  pleura,  peritoneum,  liver,  intestinal  walls,  and  the 
lymphatic  glands  belonging  to  these  organs.  The  tubercle  is,  at 
first,  a  small,  grayish,  opalescent  mass,  the  size  of  a  millet  seed, 
which  may  be  single  or  a  number  may  be  found  side  by  side,  thus 
making  a  large,  diseased  area.  As  the  tubercle  or  tubercular 
mass  grows  older  it  becomes  yellow,  and  forms  a  cheesy  mass. 
Especially  is  this  noticed  in  connection  with  tubercles  in  the 
lungs.  We  have  here  the  yellow  and  the  gray.  The  gray  are 
semi-transparent  nodules  of  a  grayish-white  color,  varying  in  size 
from  a  pin-head  to  a  hemp  seed  or  shot.  They  are  somewhat 
spherical  in  shaj)e,  and  usually  possess  a  well-defined  outline.  The 
yellow  are  much  larger.  I  have  seen  in  the  lungs  of  cattle  large 
cavities  filled  with  a  yellowish  thick  fluid  mass  known  as  tu'bercu- 
lar  abscesses.  Some  of  them  are  larger  than  walnuts.  They  are 
irregular  in  outline.  AVhen  the  tubercles  are  situated  in  the 
pleura  or  peritoneum,  the  growths  are  usually  hard  and  nodular. 
The  normal  smooth  and  glistening  surface  is  dotted  or  thickly 
studded  with  sound,  hard  masses,  ranging  from  the  size  of  a 
mustard  seed  to  that  of  a  grape.  In  the  liver  the  tubercular 
masses  are  similar  to  those  of  the  lungs.  Immense  numliers  of 
these  tubercles  may  conglomerate  to  form  a  collection  of  diseased 
products,  as  large  as  an  apple  between  the  lungs  and  chest  wall; 
masses  even  larger  are  found.  If  one  of  the  diseased  lymphatic 
glands  be  cut  across,  it  will  be  noticed  that  small,  yellow  spots 
dot  the  cut  surface.  Sometimes  the  whole  center  of  the  gland  is 
taken  up  by  this  cheesy  substance.    In  other  cases  the  gland  be- 


452  THE    STOCK    OWXEll  S    ADVISER. 

comes  hard  and  gritty  from  the  deposition  of  lime  salt.  If  the 
udder  is  affected  yellow  spots  or  tubercles  are  discernible  on  the 
cut  surface;  the  entire  quarter  is  enlarged  and  hard,  and  the 
lymphatic  glands  of  the  udder  are  usually  tu'berculous.  In  the 
intestines  the  morbid  process  is  most  marked  at  the  lower  end 
of  the  ilium  and  in  the  caecum.  The  appendix  is  sometimes  af- 
fected; also  the  duodenum  and  rectum.  The  germs  reach  these 
parts  through  infected  milk  or  meat.  The  urino-genital  tract 
may  also  be  a  seat  of  tubercular  infiltration.  In  the  brain,  the 
masses  vary  in  size  from  a  hazelnut  to  a  pigeon's  egg,  and  com- 
monly occur  in  the  cerebral  substance,  especially  at  the  base  of 
the  brain.  They  are  of  a  pale  yellow  color,  and  usually  form 
quite  round  globular  tumors.  Their  surface  is  often  seen  to  be 
covered  with  minute  gray  nodules,  which  extend  into  the  sur- 
rounding tissue. 

If  a  tubercular  mass  be  examined  microscopically,  it  will  be 
found  that  those  tubercles  near  the  circumference  of  the  diseased 
area  contain  the  largest  number  of  active  bacilli,  and  that  these 
germs  are  thus  favorably  situated  to  invade  the  surrounding- 
tissues,  or  to  be  carried  by  the  lymph  or  blood  vessels  to  distant 
parts  of  the  body,  and  there  set  up  the  tubercular  process.  The 
disease  has  prevailed  throughout  the  old  and  new  world.  It  is 
much  more  prevalent  in  some  races  of  cattle  than  others,  and  is 
much  more  common  in  the  milk  than  the  beef  breeds.  The  coun- 
try in  the  vicinity  of  large  cities  contains  a  larger  percentage  of 
tuberculous  animals  than  more  remote  localities.  It  is  not,  how- 
ever, the  proximity  of  the  cities  which  leads  to  the  prevalence  of 
the  disease,  but  the  system  of  housing  and  caring  for  the  animals 
practiced  in  such  districts. 

Tuberculosis  is  no't  developed  in  every  animal  which  inhales  or 
injects  the  germ,  because  all  animals  are  not  equally  predisposed. 
Close  stalling,  poor  ventilation,  feeding  on  innutritious  food,  and 
all  the  influences  of  domestication  predispose  the  animal  to  the 
disease.  Where  these  depressing  causes  exist,  it  is  much  easier 
for  tuberculosis  to  start  and  spread.    But  no  matter  how  weak  a 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES   OF   CATTLE.  453 

COW  is,  or  how  little  vitality  she  may  have,  she  can  never  develop 
tuberculosis  unless  the  germ  is  introduced  into  the  system. 
When  the  germ  is  taken  in,  if  the  animal  be  strong  and  have  no 
inherited  weaknesses,  the  bacillus  is  expectorated,  or  is  destroyed 
by  the  cells  where  it  lodges,  or  may  be  thrown  off  through  the 
alimentary  or  urino-genital  tract.  Every  influence  which  weakens 
the  constitution  or  resisting  power  of  the  animal  is  a  predisposing 
cause,  and  favors  the  development  of  the  disease  when  the  germs 
are  present.  The  disease  is  unquestionably  contagious,  and  nu- 
merous instances  have  been  published  in  which  it  has  extended 
along  a  row  of  cattle  in  both  directions  from  a  subject  of  tubercu- 
losis. Thousands  of  experiments  prove  conclusively  that  animals 
have  tuberculosis,  and  that  it  is  transmitted  from  one  to  another, 
and  from  infected  cows  to  human  beings.  I  have  dealt  at  length 
on  this  subject  because  it  is  one  that  should  interest  the  people 
greatly.  The  spread  of  this  disease  over  the  whole  world,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Polar  regions,  the  steppes  of  Russia,  and 
portions  of  Africa,  and  the  percentage  of  cattle  affected  in  herds 
should  receive  the  careful  consideration  of  the  public  generally. 

Symptoms. — Unthriftiness,  decrease  in  milk,  abortion  if  in 
calf;  the  appetite  capricious,  mucous  membrane  pale;  a  dry,  dull 
cough,  skin  and  hair  dry  and  dusty;  skin  yellow,  and  the  animal 
ceases  to  lick  itself.  As  emaciation  proceeds  more  rapidly,  the 
digestive  organs  are  weakened,  and  diarrhoea  reduces  the  animal 
to  a  skeleton.  Auscultation  and  percussion  may  reveal  the  lungs 
diseased.  In  many  cases  the  thoracic  cavity  becomes  partially 
filled  with  blood,  as  does  also  the  abdominal  cavity.  The  aninuil 
on  getting  up  in  the  morning  may  cough  several  times.  This 
may  be  noticed  to  increase  for  months  before  there  is  much  loss 
of  flesh.  Such  a  cow  should  be  looked  ujDon  with  suspicion.  A 
reliable  means  of  diagnosis  has  been  given  us  by  Robert  Koch, 
of  Berlin,  in  what  is  known  as  "  Koch's  lymph  of  tubercuHne." 
Where  properly  used  it  is  an  infallible  diagnostic  agent.  Since 
it  was  firsit  tried  on  cattle  by  Prof.  Gutmar,  of  the  Veterinary 


454  THE  STOCK  owner's  adviser. 

Institute,  Darpart,  Russia,  in  January,  1891,  thousands  of  ex- 
periments have  been  made  with  satisfactory  results  in  all  cases. 
Treatment. — It  is  a  waste  of  time  and  money  to  treat  this 
disease.  The  time  has  arrived  when  this  disease  should  be 
stamped  out,  and  included  in  the  contagious  disease,  animal  act. 

GRASS  DISEASE. 

This  disease  prevails  in  different  parts  of  Scotland,  and  occui'S 
from  the  end  of  April  until  the  middle  of  June,  the  period  wlien 
grasses  begin  to  ripen.  All  'ages  and  breeds  of  animals  are  alike 
liable  to  the  disease  when  put  on  fields  favorable  to  its  develop- 
ment. It  is  most  frequently  seen  on  light,  gravelly  land,  and 
especially  poor  land.  Eye  grasses  are  most  favorable  to  the  pro- 
duction of  the  disease.  The  animals  generally  are  on  pasture 
about  a  month  before  they  are  attacked.  It  is  always  worse  on 
first  year's  grass. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  loiters  about,  feeding  occasionally, 
and  if  it  lies  down  a  characteristic  flapping  or  restless  movement 
of  the  ears  may  be  observed.  If  you  attempt  to  drive  the  animal 
from  the  field  he  will  become  excited,  and  generally  becomes 
blind  before  going  very  far.  There  will  be  purging  of  a  black 
and  watery  character.  The  cow  refuses  all  food  and  water,  the 
milk  suddenly  fails,  and  she  grates  the  teeth.  The  pulse  is 
accelerated,  extremities  cold,  and  the  animal  blind.  The  tem- 
perature is  not  elevated,  and  the  disease  runs  a  course  of  three 
days  before  the  crisis  is  reached.  At  this  period  the  animal  is 
intensely  excited  with  violent  tremors,  bellows  fearfully,  presses 
its  head  against  the  wall,  or,  if  unfastened,  scrambles  up  against 
the  wall,  staggers,  falls,  and  dies. 

Post-Mortem  Appearances. — The  contents  of  the  manyplies 
are  soft  and  in  a  healthy  condition.  The  only  lesion  observed  is 
an  inflammation  of  the  true  stomach  and  bowels,  evidently  due 
to  some  narcotic. 

Treatment. — Treatment  is  unsatisfactory.  When  the  animal 
is  in  good  condition,  immediate  slaughter  is  to  be  recommended. 
This  disease  has  not  been  seen  in  America. 


XL. 
ENZOOTIC  AND  EPIZOOTIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  OX. 

MALIGNANT  CATARRHAL  FEVER. 

This  disease  is  due  to  a  specific  virus  which  affects  the  mucous 
membrane  lining  the  sinuses  of  the  head  and  nasal  chambers. 

Symptoms. — Rigors,  dullness,  and  debility.  The  mucous  mem- 
brane becomes  of  a  bluish-red  color,  the  eyes  are  closed,  the  eye- 
lids swollen,  with  flowing  of  tears  over  the  cheeks.  The  animal 
coughs  incessantly,  the  pulse  is  feeble,  and  the  bowels  are  very 
loose.  In  the  course  of  a  few  hours  after  the  onset  of  the  dis- 
ease, a  profuse  discharge  issues  from  the  nostrils,  mouth,  and 
eyes.  The  sinuses  of  the  head  become  filled  with  matter,  and  in 
some  instances  the  horns  fall  off. 

Treatment. — The  disease  is  very  fatal,  and  causes  death  in 
from  three  to  seven  days.  If  the  animal  lives  over  seven  days  a 
cure  may  be  expected.  The  patient  should  be  placed  in  a  warm 
shed.  Enemas  should  be  given  to  relieve  constipation.  Two 
ounces  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  should  'be  given  every  four  hours, 
diluted  in  a  pint  of  water.  The  animal  should  be  made  to  inhale 
hot  steam. 


( 455 ) 


SKELETON   OF   THE  OX   (Rlminantia). 
Axial  Skeleton. 
the  skill. 
Cranial  Bones.— Occipital,    1:    b,    Tarietal,    2;    a,    Frontal,    2;    c,    Temporal,    2; 
Sphenoid,  1;   Ethmoid,   1;  Auditorj'  ossicles,  8. 

Facial  Bones.— h,  Nasal,  2:  e,  Lachrymal,  2;  d.  Malar,  2;  f.  Maxilla,  2:  g.  Pre- 
maxilla,  2;  i.  Inferior  maxilla,  2;  Palatine.  2;  Pterygoid,  2;  Vomer,  1;  Turhinals, 
4;  Hyoid   (segments),  7.     Teeth— Incisors,  G;  Cauiues,  2;  .Molars,  24. 

The  Trunk.— k,  Cervical  Vertebra*,  7;  I,  Dorsal  vertehr.'e,  13;  m.  Lumbar  verte- 
brae, 6;  n,  Sacrum  (tive  segments),  1;  o,  Coccygeal  vertebra;  (variable),  20;  p  p. 
Ribs,  26;  *  Sternum   (seven  steruebrsp),   1;  •!•  Costal  cartilages. 

Appendicular  Skeleton, 
pectoral  limb. 
t.  Scapula,  2;  m,  Humerus,  2;  i',  Radius,  2;  w,  V\na,  2.  Carpus— a;.  Trapezium, 
2;  1/,  Cuneiform,  2;  z,  Lunar,  2;  a'.  Scaphoid,  2:  b'.  Unciform,  2;  c',  Magnum,  2. 
Metacarpus— (/',  Large  bone,  2;  e',  Small  bone,  4;  f,  Large  sesamoids,  8.  Digits 
J/*,  Proximal  phalanges,  4;  //',  Mesian  phalanges,  4;  i'.  Distal  phalanges,  4;  k', 
small  sesamoids  (naviculars),  4. 

PELVIC    LIMB. 

Pehi.i.—Os  Innominatum— 9,  Ilium,  2;  s.  Ischium,  2;  r.  Pubis,  2. 

The  Limb.—V,  I'emur,  2;  m'.  Patella,  2;  n',  Tibia,  2.  Tarsus— o',  Maleolar,  2; 
p',  Calcaneum,  2;  q'.  Astragalus,  2;  r',  Cubocuneiform,  2;  s',  Cuneiforme  me- 
dium, 2;  <',  Cuneiforme  parvum,  2.  Metatarsus— Large  bone,  2;  «',  Small  lioue, 
2.  Large  sesamoids,  8.  Digit— Proximal  phalanges,  4;  Mesian  phalanges,  4; 
Distal  i)halanges,   4;   Small  sesamoids,   4. 

Visceral  Skeleton. 
Bones  of  the  heart,  2. 

The  separate  bones  of  the  Ruminant  Skeleton,  as  here  considered,  are  251. 

(  4. '-.P.  ) 


XLL 

RESPIRATORY  DISEASES  OF  THE  OX. 

CATARRH. 

This  disease  does  net  occur  quite  as  frequently  f.mong  cattle 
as  in  the  horse,  but  it  is  not  uncommon.  It  arises  from  inflam- 
mation of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  nasal  cavities.  Cat- 
tle do  not  suffer  with  catarrh  as  frequently  as  horses,  because 
they  better  endure  foul  air  and  confinement. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  catarrh  in  the  ox  are  similar  to  those 
producing  the  disease  in  the  horse,  such  as  exposure  to  cold, 
dampness,  alternation  of  temperature,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  ushered  in  with  a  chill;  the  muzzle 
is  hot  and  dry,  the  horns  may  be  cold  or  hot;  there  is  a  nasal  dis- 
charge and  other  symptoms  like  those  of  the  same  disease  in  the 
horse. 

Treatment  is  the  same  as  that  employed  for  the  horse. 

LARYNGITIS. 

The  disease  among  cattle  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  the 
horse.  It  presents  similar  symptoms,  and  requires  similar  treat- 
ment. The  changes  of  the  pulse  and  temperature  are  similar. 
In  administering  medicines  to  the  cow,  the  dose  should  be  a  little 
larger  than  that  used  for  the  horse.  Liniments  to  the  throat 
should  be  much  stronger  than  those  prescribed  for  the  horse, 
the  skin  of  the  ox  being  much  tliicker. 

PHARYNGITIS. 

This  disease  in  the  ox  is  usually  associated  with  laryngitis, 
constituting  what  is  known  as  laryngo-pharyngitis.  Causes, 
symptoms,  and  treatment  are  similar  to  laryngitis  affecting  the 
horse. 

(467) 


458  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 


BRONCHITIS. 


Inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  bronchial 
tubes.  Causes  are  similar  to  those  of  the  horse,  exposure  to  cold, 
inhalations  of  smoke,  etc. 

Symptoms. — Wheezing,  difficult  breathing,  husky  cough,  hide- 
bound, and  a  starring  coat.  The  muzzle  is  dry  and  hot,  and  the 
pulse  quickened.     The  cow  lies  down  in  this  disease. 

Treatment. — Place  in  a  warm,  ventilated  place.  Give 
nitrous  sether,  spirits  ammo,  arom.,  of  each  one  ounce.  Give  one 
pound  of  sulphate  of  magnesia.  Counter-irritants  should  be 
applied  over  the  seat  of  the  bronchial  tubes  and  trachea.  The 
ammoniacal  liniment  frequently  referred  to  should  be  applied 
freely.    Fly  blisters  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases. 

PNEUMONIA. 

The  causes  which  produce  this  disease  in  the  cow  are  identical 
to  those  in  the  horse.  The  method  of  examining  the  lungs 
proves  as  effectual  in  the  cow  as  in  the  horse.  For  information, 
see  Pneumonia  in  the  Horse.  The  muzzle  of  the  cow  becomes 
dry  and  hot,  the  breathing  quickened,  and  the  elbows  r.re 
turned  outward  to  a  greater  e^xtent  than  is  shown  in  the  horse. 
The  cow  is  able  to  lie  on  the  sternum  to  a  greater  extent  than 
the  horse.  There  are  other  symptoms  of  this  disease  in  the  cow 
that  are  similar  to  those  of  the  horse. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  should  be  similar,  but  with 
larger  doses.  The  skin  being  thicker  than  that  of  the  horse, 
mustard  plasters  must  be  used  to  a  greater  extent.  For  pneu- 
monia in  the  cow,  a  pound  of  epsom  salts  is  admissible  and  bene- 
ficial. 

PLEURISY. 

This  disease  is  similar  to  the  same  disease  in  the  equine,  and 
should  be  diagnosed  and  treated  in  a  similar  manner. 


RESPIRATORY    DISEASES    OF    THE    OX.  459 


RED  WATER. 

This  disease  is  also  known  by  the  name  of  bloody  nrine,  black 
water,  hipmatnria,  etc.  It  is  a  disease  pecnliar  to  the  bovine 
tribe,  characterized  by  the  emission  of  red,  chocolate  or  black 
nrine,  containing  albumen,  and  the  coloring  matter  of  the  blood 
in  a  broken-down  condition. 

Causes. — The  immediate  causes  of  the  disease  are  to  be  found 
in  the  nature  of  the  food.  Turnips,  when  given  overnabun- 
dantly  and  without  sufficient  mixture  of  other  food,  will  produce 
it.  The  disease  is  due  also  to  insufficient  feeding.  It  is  always 
seen  on  pasture  lands,  and  never  in  stall-fed  animals,  except 
when  produced  by  turnips  grown  on  damp  lands.  Red  water 
prevails  among  calves,  oxen,  and  'bulls,  and  takes  on  an  enzootic 
form  in  impoverished  and  woody  pastures.  It  is  seen  most  fre- 
quently on  damp  lands  and  in  wet  seasons. 

Symptoms. — There  is  great  prostration,  febrile  excitement, 
palpitation  of  the  heart,  a  trembling  pulse,  pallor  of  the  mucous 
membrane,  and  diarrhoea,  succeeded  by  obstinate  constipation. 
AVhen  following  parturition,  it  is  developed  in  from  eight  to 
fourteen  days  after,  with  general  derangement,  diarrhoea,  and 
loss  of  milk.  The  pulse  is  quick,  the  back  is  arched.  Constipa- 
tion succeeds  the  diarrhoea,  and  the  faeces  passed  are  dark  in 
color.  Milk  drawn  from  the  cow  prior  to  the  attack  is  particu- 
larly disposed  to  froth  in  the  pail,' and  may  have  a  red  settlement 
at  tbe  bottom  after  standing. 

Treatment. — Good,  nutritious  food  is  the  remedy.  If  this  be 
given  the  disease  will  be  arresited.  The  animal  should  be  fed 
on  eggs  and  milk:  The  chlorate  of  potash,  in  ounce  doses,  may 
be  given.  A  pint  of  oil  may  be  given,  and  strict  attention  should 
be  paid  to  the  diet. 


XLIT. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  INTESTINES. 

TYMPANITES. 

Tympanites,  or  hoven,  is  a  very  common  affection  of  cattle, 
caused  by  gaseous  distention  of  the  rumen  or  first  stomach.  The 
formation  of  gas  is  due  to  the  character  of  the  food,  but  may  be 
due  in  some  cases  to  functional  derangement  of  the  rumen.  It 
occurs  from  choking  and  in  connection  with  parturient  fever. 
Frozen  roots,  or  inferior  food  of  any  kind,  will  produce  it. 
Clover  is  a  very  frequent  cause  of  tympanites,  when  the  animal 
is  turned  on  the  pasture  while  dew  is  on  the  grass  or  it  is  wet 
from  rain.  Feeding  on  kitchen  refuse,  slojis,  etc.,  is  the  most 
common  cause  in  town  cows. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  shows  an  uneasiness,  shifting  from 
one  set  of  limbs  to  another.  The  left  flank  is  distended,  and 
there  may  be  eructations  of  grass.  '  The  animal  grunts;  saliva 
flows  from  the  mouth.  As  the  distention  increases,  the  breath- 
ing is  seriously  interfered  with;  the  animal  persistently  stands, 
and  the  tongue  protrudes  from  the  mouth.  The  animal  falls, 
and,  if  not  immediately  relieved,  will  die  in  a  few  minutes. 
Death  may  result  from  rupture  of  the  diaphragm  or  rumen,  but 
usually  results  from  asphyxia. 

Treatment. — This  should  be  undertaken  at  once.  Oil  of  tur- 
pentine, three  ounces;  linseed  oil,  one  pint,  should  be  given  in  a 
drench,  and  followed  by  a  pound  of  magnesia  sulphate.  Car- 
bonate of  ammonia,  one-half  ounce  to  one  ounce,  is  good.  Chlori- 
nated lime,  potassium  chlorate,  and  carbonate  of  soda  are  excel- 
lent remedies.  If  .seriously  swollen  and  it  becomes  evident  that 
death  will  take  place  before  medicines  can  act,  the  animal  should 
be  tapped  at  the  most  distended  part  with  the  troear.     The 

(  460  ) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  INTESTINES.  461 

caniiia  should  "be  left  in  the  rumen  until  all  the  gas  escapes.  The 
place  to  puncture  is  a  span  with  the  hand  from  the  external 
angle  of  the  ilium  or  point  of  the  hip,  downward  and  forwards, 
and  the  trocar  should  be  entered  downward  and  forwards.  If 
the  purgative  has  not  been  given,  a  pound  of  epsom  salt  should 
be  administered.    After  the  tapj^ing,  give  stimulants  and  tonics. 

VOMITION". 

Yomition  takes  place  in  the  ox,  although  rarely.  The  act  is 
easily  performed  by  them,  but  the  reason  that  we  seldom  see  it 
is  due  to  the  fact  that  these  animals  are  not  easily  nauseated. 


Fig.  132— Symptoms  of  Abdominal  Pain. 

The  act  of  vomition  is  rarely  performed  by  the  horse,  occurring 
only  as  symptoms  of  a  grave  lesion  or  disease.  It  is  frequently 
seen  just  at  the  point  of  death.  Cattle  vomit  when  suffering 
from  indigestion,  during  profound  coma  or  apoplexy.  I  have 
seen  it  occur  during  severe  cases  of  ])arturition.  The  dog,  pig, 
and  cat  are  easily  nauseated  and  vomit  very  cLuickly. 


462 


THE    STOCK    OWA'EK  S    ADVISEE. 


IMPACTION  OF  THE  RUMEN.) 

This  is  caused  hj  an  excessive  quantity  of  food  in  the  rumen. 
It  may  come  on  gradually,  giving  rise  to  no  well-marked  symp- 
toms for  several  days.  On  tapping  the  distended  part  with  the 
fingers,  it  reveals  a  dough-like  feeling.  The  stomach  pits  on 
pressure,  indicating  a  paralyzed  condition  of  the  coats  of  the 
rumen.    If  the  patient  be  a  milk  cow,  she  will  show  a  falling  off 

in  the  quantity  of  milk. 
The  muzzle  becomes  dry 
and  ho  t,  respiration 
quickened,  and  there 
will  be  a  flow  of  saliva 
from  the  mouth.  The 
rumen  may  become  ex- 
tremely distended,  caus- 
ing regurgitation  of 
food.  When  the  coat 
of  the  rumen  is  para- 
lyzed, the  operation  of 
rumenotomy  should  be 
performed.  It  is  per- 
formed by  making  an 
incision  midway  between 
the  last  rib  and  the 
to  five  inches  from  the 
of    the   lumbar   vertebrae. 


Fig.  loo— Impaction  of  the  Kuiiieu. 


spine  of  the  ilium,  and  from  four 
points  of  the  transverse  processes 
The  incision  should  be  made  downwards  and  long  enough  to 
admit  the  hand.  A  handkerchief  may  be  inserted  in  the  wound 
in  order  to  prevent  the  food  falling  into  the  peritoneal  cavity. 
AVhen  this  has  been  done,  the  food  should  be  taken  out  with  the 
hand,  the  parts  'ihen  thoroughly  cleaned,  the  incision  in  the 
stomach  to  be  first  stitched  up  with  oatgut  sutures,  the  edges 
turned  in,  so  as  to  get  the  peritoneal  coat  into  position.  The 
external  coat  may  then  be  closed  with  strong  silk  or  waxed  twine 


DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  INTESTINES.  463 

and  covered  with  a  stiff  pitch  plaster.  A  pound  of  epsom  salts 
should  be  administered,  followed  with  iron  sulphate,  two 
drachms;  powdered  gentian,  two  drachms;  powdered  nux  vomica, 
one  drachm,  twice  a  day.  If  the  animal  is  entirely  off  feed,  the 
medicines  above  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  tincture  in  similar 
doses. 

IMPACTION  OF  THE  MANYPLIES. 

This  occurs  generally  as  a  symptom  of  disease  in  some  other 
parts,  or  may  occur  as  an  independent  disease.  A  dry,  and  even 
caked,  condition  of  the  manyplies  does  not  prove  conclusively 
that  dryness  of  the  food  in  the  stomach  caused  death.  Fevers 
and  an  inflammation  of  the  different  stomachs  may  cause  impac- 
tion of  the  manyplies.  It  may 
occur  from  feeding  on  dry  food 
and  an  insufficient  quantity  of 
water,  or  perhaps  from  inferio'i' 
food. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is 
dull,  refuses  feed,  the  muzzle 
is  dry  and  hot,  the  breathing 
increased;    the    animal    grunts  ^'S-  134-Impaction  of  the 

after  each  respiration,  and  the 

pulse  is  quickened.  There  Avill  be  more  or  less  diarrhoea,  fol- 
lowed by  constipation.  In  many  instances  the  animal  strains 
violentl}'  and  passes  both  blood  and  mucus. 

Treatment. — Give  a  pound  of  epsom  salts,  half  pound  of 
table  salt  in  a  drench,  and  follow  with  laudanum,  two  ounces; 
alcohol,  one  ounce,  every  four  hours.  During  convalescence  the 
tonics  should  be  made  use  of. 

When  cattle  suffer  with  spasmodic  colic,  enteritis,  dysentery, 
diarrhoea,  etc.,  the  nature,  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment  are 
similar  to  like  cases  in  the  horse. 


464  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE.' 

WHITE  SCOURS. 

This  form  of  diarrhoea  is  peculiar  to  young  animals,  and  prin- 
cipally seen  in  little  calves.  It  is  due  to  inflammation  of  the 
true  digestive  stomach,  and  is  genei^ally  caused  from  the  mother's 
milk  being  either  too  rich  or  too  poor.  It  is  commonly  seen  in 
calves  that  get  skimmed  milk  instead  of  the  first  milk  of  the  cow. 

Symptoms. — ^The  patient  lies  down,  stretches  itself  out,  gets 
up,  grates  its  teeth,  stamps,  curls  the  tail,  and  soon  becomes  very 
weak.  The  faeces  are  semi-fluid,  whitish  in  appearance,  with  an 
offensive  odor. 

Treatment. — Give  aihout  three  or  four  ounces  of  castor  oil. 
If  the  pain  is  excessive,  thirty  drops  of  the  tincture  of  opium 
should  be  combined  with  the  oil.  Lime  water  should  be  given, 
administered  in  the  milk.  Ten  grains  of  pepsin,  with  five  drops 
of  hydrochloric  acid,  may  be  given,  repeated  as  long  as  necessary. 

PERITONITIS 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum,  and  has  been  pre- 
viously described  in  the  pages  of  this  work.  It  is  caused  by 
exposure  to  cold,  punctures,  wounds,  etc. 

The  animal  stands  a  greater  portion  of  the  time;  the  pulse 
is  from  sixty  to  eighty  beats  per  minute,  wiry  in  character^ 
and  the  mouth  is  hot.  The  breathing  is  quickened,  the  eyes 
reddened,  and  an  intense  fever  is  present.  The  animal  turns  his 
head  wistfully  to  the  flank,  but  does  not  roll. 

Treatment. — If  well-marked  peritonitis  occurs,  it  generally 
proves  fatal.  Tincture  of  aconite  in  twenty-drop  doses  may  be 
used.  In  some  cases  stimulants  are  very  beneficial.  Opiates 
may  be  given  to  relieve  pain.  Mustard  applications  may  be  used 
externally  to  the  abdomen.  Blankets  rung  out  of  hot  water 
and  applied  to  the  abdomen  are  very  beneficial. 


XLIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE,    NOT    PREVI- 

OUSLY  REFERRED  TO.  THAT  ARE  DIFFERENT 

FROM  THOSE  OF  THE  HORSE. 

PARTURIENT  FEVER. 

This  disorder  is  commonly  known  as  Milk  Fever.  It  may  oc- 
cur in  all  animals,  but  it  is  most  frequently  seen  in  cows.  It  is 
character'Ized  by  greater  or  less  febrile  disturbance,  rising  tem- 
perature, and  the  various  indications  of  fever. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  dull,  the  muzzle  dry  and 
hot,  the  pulse  quickened,  aud  the  breathing  is  increased.  This 
disease  may  occur  in  a  light  form  or  may  be  severe.  The  udder 
becomes  hot  and  inflamed,  and  no  milk  is  secreted.  The  animal 
shows  thirst,  and  in  severe  cases  refuses  food. 

Treatment. — Give  one  pound  of  epsom  salts.  Long-continued 
fomentations  of  hot  water  should  be  freely  applied  to  the  udder, 
and  the  patient  milked  eight  or  ten  times  a  day.  Two  ounces  of 
nitrous  aether,  with  a  half  ounce  of  nitrate  of  potash,  should  be 
given  two  or  three  times  a  day  for  two  or  three  days. 

PARTURIENT  PERITONITIS. 

This  condition  is  usually  met  with  in  cows,  and  is  commonly 
caused  by  difficult  parturition,  and  by  the  use  of  instruments, 
etc.;  by  long  drives  directly  before  or  after  parturition,  or  ex- 
posure to  cold  or  wet  weather  during  parturition. 

Symptoms. — The  cow  l)cc(>iuos  dull,  the  muzzle  dry  and  hot, 

the  pulse  hard  and  wiry,  the  breathing  short  and  painful,  the 

bowels  constipated,  the  urine  scant  and  high  in  color,  and  there 

is  a  reddish-brown  fluid  dischaige  from  the  vagina.     The  patient 

30  (465) 


466 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


goes  down  and  is  unable  to  rise,  groans  heavily,  and  shows  evi- 
dence of  great  pain.  This  disease  is  very  fatal,  and  if  extensive 
inflammation  is  present,  death  is  the  usual  result. 

Treatment. — Make  a  good,  soft  bed  for  the  patient,  and  prop 
her  up  by  placing  supports  for  her  to  lean  against.  The  place 
should  be  as  quiet  as  possible.  Drinking  water  should  be  offered 
frequently,  but  in  small  quantities.  Enemas  of  warm  water 
should  be  given  three  times  a  day.  The  vagina  and  uterus  should 
also  be  injected  with  warm  water,  with  a  small  quantity  of 


Fig.  135 — Parturient  Peritonitis. 

opium  added.  A  half  pound  of  epsom  salts  should  be  adminisr 
tered,  followed  by  tincture  of  opium,  one  ounce;  aconite  tincture, 
ten  drops,  every  three  hours.  During  convalescence,  tonics 
should  be  given — iron  sulphate,  one-half  ounce;  powdered  gen- 
tian, one-half  ounce — twice  a  day  in  feed.  Keep  the  body  well 
clothed  and  change  the  position  of  the  animal  every  three  or 
four  hours. 

PATURIENT  PARALYSIS. 

Paralysis  occasionally  follows  paturition,  usually  making  its 
appearance  within  two  or  three  days  after  the  birth  of  the  young 
animal,  and  is  not  a  vcrv  serious  condition.  


MISCELLANEOUS    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE. 


4GT 


Symptoms. — The  cow  walks  with  a  paddling  gait,  staggers 
and  ultimately  falls  to  the  ground,  and  is  unable  to  rise.  It 
affects  very  little  the  secretion  of  milk. 

Treatment. — Give  a  strong  diffusible  stimulant — alcohol,  one 
ounce  every  four  hours.  Two  ounces  of  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  may 
be  used.  Tincture  of  nux  vomica  should  be  given  three  times  a 
day  in  drachm  doses.  JSTux  vomica  should  be  used  as  long  as  any 
signs  of  paralysis  remain.  Where  the  condition  persists  for  an 
unusual  length  of  time,  electricity  may  be  used  upon  the  parts 


Fig.  136— Parturient  Paralysis. 

with  benefit.  The  position  of  the  patient  should  be  changed 
every  three  hours.  Liniments  should  be  applied  to  the  spinal 
column.  A  cloth  spread  along  the  spine  and  a  hot  smoothing 
iron  passed  over  it  until  cold  is  beneficial. 


PARTURIENT  APOPLEXY. 

This  disease  is  peculiar  to  cows,  and  consists  of  a  congested 
state  of  brain  and  spinal  cord.  It  is  one  of  the  most  serious  and 
rapidly  fatal  diseases  of  cattle.  It  commonly  attacks  very  deep 
milkers  and  those  highly  fed  and  in  a  plethoric  condition.  It 
usually  occurs  when  a  cow  is  six  or  seven  years  of  age,  and  always 


468 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


just  after  parturition,  and  generally  at  the  birth  of  the  second  or 
third  calf.  It  occurs  ^Yhere  grasses  are  very  fine,  rarely  being 
seen,  in  badly-fed  cattle.  The  disease  runs  its  course  in  twelve 
to  twenty-four  hours. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  suddenly  becomes  dull  and  hangs  the 
head;  as  the  disease  develops,  the  patient  shows  uneasiness,  rest- 
ing first  upon  one  set  of  limbs  and  then  upon  another.    The  flow 


Fig.  137— Parturient  Apoplexy. 


of  milk  is  greatly  decreased,  rumination  ceases,  and  the  cow 
ceases  to  notice  her  calf.  On  attempting  to  walk,  she  moves  with 
a  paddling  gait,  breathes  heavily,  and  the  respirations  quicken. 
She  soon  falls  heavily  to  the  ground,  and,  becoming  excited, 
makes  great  effort  to  regain  her  feet;  but  in  a  very  short  time 
becomes  com'atose,  with  head  drawn  around  to  the  side.  If  the 
head  be  straightened  and  tJien  freed,  it  will  immediately  return 
to  the  side  with  a  thump.  This  is  the  diagnostic  symptom  of 
the  disease.  The  eyes  are  now  amaurotic  and  the  cornea  devoid 
of  sensibility.  The  breathing  at  times  is  scarcely  perceptible; 
at  other  times  of  stertorous  character.  The  urine  at  this  stage 
ceases  to  pass,  the  bowels  do  not  act,  and  tympanites  appears. 


MISCELLANEOUS    DISEASES    OF    CATTLE..  469 

Teeatment. — Give  a  pound  of  epsom  salts  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble, with  enemas  of  tepid  water.  If  down,  the  patient  should 
be  kept  propped  up  on  her  sternum,  with  a  support  for  her  head. 
Her  position  must  be  changed  every  two  hours.  I  have  always 
had  good  results  from  the  use  of  ice  to  the  head.  The  blood  that 
should  go  to  make  milk  is  thrown  back  upon  the  system,  thus 
producing  a  congested  state  of  the  brain.  Blisters  or  strong 
liniments  should  be  applied  to  the  spine.  If  tympanites  sets  in, 
the  trochar  and  canula  should  be  used  to  relieve  the  condition. 
Hand-rubbing  the  body  is  beneficial.  The  cow  should  be  milked 
every  two  hours,  and  l)e  protected  from  the  sun  in  the  summer 
and  from  cold  in  the  winter.  The  urine  should  be  removed  from 
the  bladder  by  the  catheter.  Nitrous  sether,  two  ounces;  bella- 
donna tincture,  one  drachm,  should  be  given  every  four  hours. 
Half-ounce  doses  of  the  bromide  of  potash  should  accompany 
every  other  dose. 

MAMMITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  mammary  glands  is  usually  found  in  the 
cow,  but  is  met  with  occasionally  in  all  females.  It  occurs  in  two 
forms — an  inflammation  of  the  superior  structure  of  the  glands 
and  an  inflammation  of  the  interior  of  the  glands.  It  may  affect 
a  single  gland,  or  all  the  glands  may  be  involved  in  the  inflam- 
matory process. 

Causes. — It  is  frequently  due  to  an  injury  caused  by  briers, 
brush,  or  wounds  inflicted  from  any  cause.  Poisonous  weeds  or 
stings  from  insects  may  cause  it.  A  change  in  temperature  or 
a  change  in  the  animal's  condition  may  produce  it.  It  is  often 
caused  by  neglecting  to  completely  empty  the  udder  at  each 
milking. 

Sympto^is. — There  will  be  a  straddling  gait  if  the  whole  gland 
is  inflamed.  If  but  a  portion  of  the  gland  is  inflamed,  the  animal 
will  be  lame  in  the  lim'b  next  to  the  inflamed  part.  The  glands 
will  be  swollen,  hard,  and  tender  to  the  touch.  A  well-marked 
fever  is  present,  the  muzzle  is  dry  and  hot,  and  the  breathing  is 


470 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


affected.  The  patient  usually  has  a  chill  at  the  beginning  of  the 
disease,  is  thirsty,  with  appe'tite  impaired.  The  bowels  are  con- 
stipated and  the  urine  high  in  color.  The  milk  in  the  glands 
becomes  clotted,  and  may  be  mixed  with  blood,  or  even  pus,  and 
possesses  a  fetid  odor.  At  this  stage,  destruction  of  a  portion  or 
whole  of  the  gland  may  be  expected.  In  cases  terminating  fa- 
vorably, a  full  flow  of  milk  cannot  be  expected  from  the  gland 
until  the  animal  has  her  next  calf. 

Treatment. — Give  one  pound  of  epsom  salts.     A  suspensory 
bandage  is  of  the  greatest  importance.    Holes  should  be  made  in 


Fig.  138— Mammitis. 


the  bandage  for  the  teats  to  go  through,  and  the  bandage  fastened 
over  the  back.  The  gland  should  rest  upon  the  bandage,  packed 
with  bran  and  hops,  which  should  be  kept  moist  by  constantly 
pouring  warm  water  upon  them.  The  patient  should  be  kept 
warmly  clothed,  and  an  ounce  of  alcohol  should  be  administered 
three  times  a  day.  The  cow  should  be  milked  a  dozen  times  a 
day.  The  bumps  or  clots  by  this  means  may  be  broken  down 
and  forced  out  of  the  gland.  If  the  milk  will  run,  a  milk  syphon 
may  be  used  and  allowed  to  remain  in.    In  case  of  suppuration, 


MISCELLANEOUS    DISEASES   OF  CATTLE. 


471 


the  parts  must  be  opened  to  allow  the  pus  to  escape  freely.  The 
parts  should  then  be  treated  as  an  ordinary  wound.  Belladonna 
paste  is  a  very  good  application  to  the  gland  for  relieving  pain. 

ENTERITIS  AND  COLIC. 

These  diseases  are  not  frequent  in  the  cow.     The  causes, 
symptoms,  and  treatment  are  simihir  to  those  of  the  horse.     The 


Fig.  139 — Enteritis,  or  Iiitlummatiou  of  Bowels. 

cow  does  not  roll  in  expressing  abdominal  pain,  but  stamps  and 
kicks  at  the  abdomen. 

Wounds,  fractures,  diseases  of  bones  and  joints  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  horse. 

STRICTURE  OF  THE  TEAT. 

This  condition  is  due  to  iiiflaiiiniation  of  the  ghmd.  The  milk 
flows  in  a  small  stream. 

Treatment. — The  stricture  should  be  divided  by  the  con- 
cealed history,  and  the  cow  milked  four  or  five  times  a  day  to 
prevent  the  parts  adhering.  This  condition  should  be  entrusted 
to  a  competent  surgeon. 


472  THE    8TOCK    OWiNEk's    ADVlSEli. 

WAETS. 

These  occur  both  on  the  outside  and  the  inside  of  the  teats. 
If  outside,  calamine  ointment  will  be  the  best  remedy  for  re- 
moving it.  If  inside,  the  concealed  history  should  be  used  to 
remove  it.  A  calculi  or  milk  stone  is  sometimes  found  in  the 
teats.    They  can  usually  be  removed  by  gentle  manipulation. 


^^;?*»  f^^^j^^""  ^^^w^"^ 


Fig.  HO— Metritis. 

Diseases  of  the  eyes  of  cattle  are  similar  to  those  of  the  horse, 
except  that  the  cow  does  not  have  the  disease  known  as  constitu- 
tional opthalmia.     For  treatment,  see  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 

Skin  diseases  of  the  cow  are  not  numerous.  Tor  treatment, 
see  Skin  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 

HOOF  EVIL. 

This  is  a  disiease  usually  confined  between  the  two  claws.  The 
treatment  is  similar  to  that  for  thrush  in  the  horse. 

METRITIS. 

Causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment  are  similar  to  the  same 
disease  in  the  mare. 


XLIV. 
PARASITES  AFFECTING  CATTLE. 

Parasites  very  seldom  trouble  cattle.  A  tapeworm  known  by 
the  name  taenia  expansa  sometimes  affects  cattle.  It  does  not 
cause  much  harm.  They  are  found  in  the  intestines,  and  some- 
times fifteen  feet  in  length. 

Treatment. — Give  male  shield  fern,  one  ounce,  with  oil.  An 
ounce  of  areca  nut,  in  oil,  may  also  be  tried.  Turpentine,  three 
ounces  in  oil,  may  be  given  with  good  results  in  some  cases. 

CYSTICERCTJS  BOVIS. 

This  parasite  is  the  cause  of  measles  in  cattle.  It  lives  in  the 
muscles  of  the  ox,  may  be  found  in  the  ptcragoid  muscle  in  the 
heart  and  in  the  diaphragm. 

Life  History. — If  the  parasites  be  eaten  and  taken  into  the 
stomach,  they  then  separate  and  locate  in  the  intestines  of  man. 
They  are  then  passed  from  the  man,  and  the  ox  takes  in  the  eggs 
and  they  find  their  way  into  the  muscles. 

Symiptoms  not  well  defined.     Xo  treatment. 

FASCIOLA  HEPATICA. 

This  is  a  round  worm.  It  is  the  cause  of  rot  in  the  liver  of 
sheep.    The  disease  is  found  along  rivers,  when  they  overflow. 

SvMF'ToMs, — The  only  syiii])tom  noticed  is  the  sudden  loss  of 
flesh  after  rapid  improvement  for  a  month  or  two. 

Treatment. — Putting  the  aniujal  on  other  pastures,  on  high 
land,  if  possible,  is  about  all  that  can  l)e  done. 

STRONGYLUS  MICRURUS. 

These  parasites  generally  become  encysted  in  tlu'  lung  tissue. 
Young  animals  are  aff'ected  much  more  commonly  than  adults. 

(473) 


474  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

The  ovum  gains  access  to  the  stomach  during  the  process  of  feed- 
ing. It  is  there  set  free,  enters  the  circulation,  and  is  carried  to 
its  favorite  ha'bitation.  The  disease  prevails  on  both  sides  of 
Lake  Erie,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada. 
It  is  frequently  seen  in  Virginia,  and  throughout  the  low-lying 
districts. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  has  a  husky  cough,  which  increases 
in  frequency  and  severity  by  exertion.  The  appetite  is  impaired, 
and  there  is  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils.  The  parasites  may 
be  detected  by  the  naked  eye,  if  the  discharge  be  closely  exam- 
ined. 

Treatment. — Change  the  animals  to  a  higher  and  dr^^er  pas- 
ture, if  possible.  Turpentine,  one  ounce;  linseed  oil,  eight 
ounces,  should  be  given  in  a  drench.  Inhalation  of  chlorine  gas 
will  destroy  the  parasites.  Place  three  or  four  of  the  affected 
animals  in  a  loose  box;  the  chlorine  gas  may  be  generated  by 
pouring  sulphuric  acid  over  a  mixture  of  sodium  chloride  and 
magnesium  black  oxide.  When  the  animals  begin  to  cough  they 
should  be  liberated.  Inhalation  of  burning  sulphur  in  a  close 
stable  is  a  very  safe  and  effectual  remedy. 


SHEEP. 


XLY. 
CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

VARIOLA  OVINAE  (Sheep-Pox) 

Is  a  contagious  and  infectious  eruptive  disease,  analogous  to 
small-pox  and  cow-pox.  This  disease  lias  caused  great  loss  to 
slieep-owners  in  Britain  as  well  as  in  other  countries.  It  occurs 
in  two  forms,  malignant  and  benign.  The  malignant  form  never 
produces  vesicles;  the  sheep  lose  their  eyes,  the  wool  falls  out, 
the  skin  cracks,  and  the  nostrils  are  filled  with  a  fetid  discharge. 
In  the  benign  form,  vesicles  appear;  their  scabs  falling  off,  leave 
pits  on  Avhich  the  wool  never  grows  again. 

Symptoms. — The  period  of  incul)ation  is  about  fifteen  days. 
As  in  all  fevers,  there  is  a  rise  in  temperature,  and  in  this  it  is 
well  marked,  rising  as  high  as  107  or  lOS.  Soon  little  papulse  or 
nodules,  deeply  imbedded  in  the  dermis,  having  a  florid  red 
aspect,  make  their  appearance.  They  are  first  seen  on  the  sides 
of  the  anus  and  thighs,  and  on  the  cheeks  and  lips,  causing  the 
skin  to  have  a  flea-bitten  appearance.  The  papula  gradually  en- 
larges in  size,  then  becomes  elevated  and  transparent  in  the  cen- 
ter. The  papula  is  now  a  vesicle  containing  a  liquid,  at  first 
transparent,  then  turbid;  ultimately  it  becomes  dry,  hardens  into 
a  crust,  and  is  cast  off  with  the  epidermis. 

The  affected  animals  separate  from  their  fellows;  their  heads 
hang  low;  the  breathing  is  quick  and  short;  the  eyelids  swollen, 
the  conjunctiva  reddened;  a  discharge  of  mucus  from  the  nos- 
trils; yellow  spots  appear  on  the  pituitary  membrane;  the  pulse 
is  quick  and  wiry;  rumination  is  suspended;  food  is  refused  and 
there  is  great  thirst  for  water.  The  feet  and  ears  are  usually 
cold,  while  the  surface  of  the  body  is  hot.  These  symptoms  are 
shown  from  the  commencement  of  the  eruption,  and  do  not  albate 

(477) 


478  THE    STOCK    OWJfER's    ADVISER. 

until  the  papiuar  stage  gives  place  to  the  vesicular.  When  the 
vesicular  stage  is  reached  the  animal  is  relieved. 

Usually  half  the  sheep  attacked  with  this  disease  succum'b. 
In  some  cases  nearly  the  whole  flock  is  swept  away. 

Treatment. — ^Medicinal  remedies  are  of  no  service.  The  dis- 
ease must  be  allowed  to  run  its  course.  Sweet  spirits  of  nitre, 
one-half  ounce;  potassium  nitrate,  one  drachm,  may  be  used 
and  the  nostrils  sponged  to  prevent  suffocation.  The  diseased 
sheep  should  be  separated  from  the  healthy.  If  possible,  this 
should  be  done  while  the  fever  is  rising  and  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  eruptions.  If  this  be  done,  the  disease  may  be 
checked.  The  healthy  animals  should  not  be  allowed  to  go  on 
pastures  or  roads  frequented  by  diseased  animals  until  heavy 
rains  have  destroyed  the  contagium. 

RINDERPEST. 

This  disease  occurs  in  sheep,  although  not  so  frequently  as  in 
cattle.  The  symptoms  are  the  same  in  sheep  as  rinderpest,  or 
cattle  plague,  in  the  ox.  The  incubative  stage  is  more  variable 
than  in  cattle.  Sheep  running  with  cattle  that  have  rinderpest 
generally  contract  the  disease. 

ANTHRAX. 

This  disease  occurs  in  sheep,  but  not  so  frequently  as  in  cattle 
and  horses.  When  affecting  sheep,  it  is  sometimes  called  splenic 
apoplexy. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  exhibited  by  a  sheep  thus  af- 
fected is  a  short  step.  The  animals  are  seen  to  lie  down  and  rise 
frequently,  or  stand  apart  with  the  head  depressed  and  the  back 
arched.  Should  the  disease  not  terminate  rapidly  the  wool  will 
drop  out.  The  post-morten  appearances  are  identical  with  those 
seen  in  cattle. 

FOOT  ROT. 

This  is  the  name  given  to  a  contagions  disease  in  sheep,  which 
causes  a  destruction  of  the  horn  of  the  foot.     It  is  asserted  by 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES    OF    SHEEP.  4T9 

some  to  be  non-eontagious,  but  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt  that 
the  disease  is  contagious. 

Symptoms. — ^There  may  be  swelling  of  the  inter-digital  tissues, 
or  there  may  be  an  inflammation  of  the  sole  ajt  the  end  of  the 
toes.  An  alteration  of  the  horn  takes  place,  and  there  is  a  dis- 
charge of  fetid  ichorous  fluid  from  the  parts.  Fungoid  growths 
appear  on  the  exposed  surface.  The  disease  burrows  under  the 
horn  of  the  inner  wall  of  the  claws  and  separates  it  from  the  sen- 
sitive structures  within.  As  the  disease  advances  the  animal 
loses  flesh.  In  some  cases  the  sensitive  structures  of  the  af- 
fected feet  are  separated  from  the  horny  walls,  the  wall  becoming 
entirely  detached.  The  horny  sole  crumbles  away  also,  leaving 
the  sensitive  structures  exposed,  which  soon  sprout  with  masses 
of  fungoid  growths.  The  animal,  unable  to  put  its  lame  foot  to 
the  ground,  will  crawl  on  its  knees  if  the  forefeet  are  aifected, 
and  upon  its  abdomen  if  the  hind  ones  be  the  seat  of  the  disease. 
The  disease  generally  attacks  one  foot  and  then  passes  to  the 
others.  It  is  generally  seen  on  hill  farms  during  the  months  of 
August  and  September. 

Prevention. — Remove  the  sheep,  if  possible,  to  another  pas- 
ture, after  making  them  walk  through  a  long  trough  containing 
an  ounce  of  carbolic  acid,  two  drachms  of  corrosive  sublimate,  to 
each  quart  of  water.  They  should  be  made  to  walk  through  this 
solution  once  a  week. 

It  may  be  necessary  to  drive  them  through  a  solution  of  sul- 
phate of  copper.  One  pound  of  arsenic  to  five  gallons  of  water 
may  be  used  in  the  same  way.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary 
to  touch  the  fungoid  growths  with  nitric  acid. 

LOUPING  ILL. 

This  disease  entails  an  enormous  loss  in  some  countries  among 
hill  sheep  of  both  the  white  and  black  faced  breeds.  It  prevails 
to  a  consideralble  extent  in  Scotland.  The  disease  is  due  to  the 
tick,  a  true  blood-sucking  parasite,  belonging  to  the  family  of 
ixodidae.    The  mouth  of  the  tick  is  provided  with  a  serrated  beak, 


480  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

or  rostrum,  whicli  enables  it  to  j^iierce  the  skin  and  retain  its  hold 
very  firmly  and  almost  without  effort,  as  the  barbed  serrations 
point  backwards.  Ticks  are  found  on  old  grasses  where  the  last, 
or  previous,  year's  grasses  are  rank,  affording  cover  for  the  para- 
sites. They  attack  animals  by  plunging  their  beaks  deeply  into 
the  skin,  particularly  about  the  face,  root  of  the  ears,  lower  part 
of  breast,  between  the  thighs,  or  in  parts  of  the  body  most  ex- 
posed. They  will  hang  for  days,  sucking  the  blood,  until  their 
bodies  become  distended  to  eight  or  ten  times  the  original  size. 
They  seem  not  to  quit  their  hold  until  they  die. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  trembles.  There  will  be  a  spasmodic 
contraction  of  the  muscles,  especially  those  of  the  upper  part  of 
the  neck.  There  will  also  be  spasms  of  the  muscles  of  the  limbs, 
causing  the  animal  to  walk  stiffly  and  jerk  the  feet  in  peculiar 
manner.  The  breathing  is  quick,  the  pulse  102  to  103,  and  the 
temperature  105  to  100.  The  head  and  neck  are  distended  as  in 
lockjaw,  the  animal  trembles,  and  ultimately  becomes  paralyzed. 

Treatment. — ^^The  ticks  should  be  destroyed,  because  through 
them  the  micro-organisms  are  communicated  to  the  sheep.  It 
has  been  proven  that  the  ticks  contain  the  spores,  and  are  capable 
of  infecting  sheep. 

They  must  not  be  pulled  oif.  Their  bodies  should  be  clipped 
in  two  with  scissors;  they  will  then  immediately  retract  the  suck- 
ing organ  and  fall  off.  A  strong  decoction  of  tobacco,  saturated 
with  salt,  will  remove  them,  and  they  are  also  quickly  destroyed 
by  turpentine.  An  ounce  of  creosote  to  four  of  linseed  oil  is 
recommended,  and  dipping  with  any  of  the  recognized  sheep  dips 
will  destroy  them. 

The  old  grasses  in  which  they  stay  should  be  cut  down  or 
ploughed  under. 


XLYI. 
ENTOZOA  OF  THE  SHEEP. 

Sheep  are  infested  with  four  varieties  of  tapeworms.  A  tape- 
worm consists  of  a  head  and  several  joints,  or  suckers.  The  suck- 
ers and  hooks  hold  on  to  the  mucous  memhrane  of  the  intestines. 
They  multiply  by  the  lengthening  of  the  neck.  The  head  has 
four  suckers.  They  have  no  generative  organs,  no  mouth,  nor 
digestive  organs,  but  live  by  absorption  of  nourishment  through 
pores.    Each  segiuent  may  come  off  from  the  rest. 

TAENIA  COENURUS. 

This  parasite  infests  the  intestines  of  the  dog,  from  which  per- 
fect segments  are  expelled.  These  segments  falling  in  the  pas- 
ture where  sheep  are  feeding,  are  swallowed  with  the  herbage; 
getting  into  the  blood  vessels,  they  are  carried  to  every  part  of 
the  body,  and  are  lodged  in  the  brain.  Here  the  young  embryo 
covers  itself.  It  is  then  the  size  of  a  mustard  seed,  and  gradually 
grows.  This  parasite  causes  the  disease  in  sheep  known  as  sturdy 
tumsick  or  gid.  The  parasite  encysts  itself  in  the  brain,  the  cyst 
measuring  in  diameter  one-half  inch  to  a  hen's  egg.  Usually  but 
one  cyst  is  found.  They  generally  attack  lambs  under  one  year 
old;  sheep  above  two  years  old  being  rarely  affected.  The  ail- 
ment prevails  largely  in  flocks  where  dogs  are  employed  to  assist 
the  shepherds.  On  enclosed  pastures,  w^here  the  sheep  are  un- 
attended by  dogs,  the  disease  seldom  occurs. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  dull  and  stupid.  If  miade  to 
go  on,  he  may  dash  into  the  wall  or  fence,  turning  to  the  right  or 
left,  as  controlled  by  the  hemisphere  of  the  brain  in  wKich  the 
parasite  is  located.  When  the  parasite  is  lodged  between  the 
hemispheres,  the  animal  steps  high  and  goes  fonvard  in  a  straight 
line;  the  head  is  carried  upwards,  and  there  may  he  a  rorying 
81  ( 481 ) 


482  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

degree  of  amaurosis  in  one  or  both  eyes.  Sometimes  the  animal 
becomes  blind  and  deaf.  AVhen  the  parasite  is  lodged  in  the  cere- 
bellum, the  animal's  movements  are  performed  without  control. 
The  head  is  elevated;  the  lim'bs  are  moved  automatically;  one 
or  two  steps  are  taken  forward,  when  the  animal  starts  with  a 
bound,  but  immediately  falls  and  is  unable  to  rise  for  a  time. 

Prevention.^ — The  dogs  should  be  treated  to  prevent  the 
trouble  in  sheep. 

TAENIA  MARGINATA. 

This  is  very  common  on  this  continent,  being  frequently  seen 
in  the  Western  States.  It  is  found  in  the  mucous  membrane, 
peritoneum,  or  liver.  The  life  history  is  the  same  as  that  of  the 
taenia  copnurus.  The  parasites  generally  perish  in  the  liver. 
They  in  some  cases  cause  inflammation  of  the  peritoneum. 

No  treatment. 

TAENIA  EXP  ANSA. 

This  parasite  does  not  cause  much  harm.  They  may  be  fifteen 
inches  in  length,  and  are  found  in  the  intestines. 

Treatment. — Male  shield  fern,  one  to  two  drachms  in  oil, 
may  be  given.  Areca  nut,  one  to  two  drachms  in  oil,  or  turpen- 
tine, three  to  four  drachms,  are  all  good  remedies. 

DISTOMATA  HEPATICA. 

This  parasite  destroys  the  liver  of  sheep,  producing  the  disease 
known  as  "  rot,"  which  has  caused  great  losses  to  sheep-owners 
throughout  England.  It  prevails  on  low,  marshy  lands  and 
during  wet  seasons.  The  disease  may  be  detected  in  the  spring, 
when  ewes  are  dropping  their  lambs.  A  sound  ewe,  in  good 
order,  drops  a  lamb  covered  with  a  thick  and  yellow  slime;  when 
the  slime  is  white,  thin,  and  watery,  the  sheep  is  not  in  a  healthy 
condition.  Another  method  by  which  healthy  sheep  may  be 
known  is  by  rubbing  the  flesh  backwards  and  forward  between 
the  fingers  and  thumb,  at  the  ends  of  the  short  ribs.  If  the 
flesh  is  solid  and  firm,  she  may  be  considered  sound ;  if  found  soft 


ENTOZOA  OF  THE  SHEEP. 


483 


and  flabby,  with  a  sort  of  crackling  sound  and  a  watery  or  blub- 
bery  feeling,  they  are  unsound.  Professor  Simonds  states  that 
a  dry,  scaly  state  of  the  skin  on  the  inner  part  of  the  thighs,  par- 
ticularly where  it  is  uncovered  with  either  wool  or  hair,  is  early 
recognized  as  a  sign,  and  that  an  examination  of  the  eye  will 
materially  assist  in  determining  the  question  of  disease.  If  dis- 
eased, the  vessels  of  the  eye  are  tinged  with  a  pale  or  yellowish 
colored  blood. 

The  progress  of  the  rot  is  slow.  The  animal  becomes  dull,  the 
mucous  membranes  become  pale,  skin  is  dry,  the  flanks  hollow, 
back  weak,  the  belly  tucked  up.  The  eyes  become  yellow,  and 
dropsical  swelling  is  seen  in  various  parts  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — The  unsound  pastures  should  be  a'bandonefil. 
The  sheep  may  be  moved  to  dry  pastures  and  an  abundant  supply 
of  salt  given. 

OESOPHAGOSTOMA. 

This  parasite  shows  itself  by  the  fonnation  of  little  tumors  or 
nodules  in  the  mesentery  and  intestines,  resembling  tubercular 
deposits.  In  the  tumor  will  be  found  little  round  worms.  The 
male  is  less  than  a  half  inch;  the  female  is  three  inches  in  length. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  not  well  shown.  A  sheep 
should  be  killed  in  order  to  find  out  the  nature  of  the  disease. 

STRONGYLTJS  FILARIA. 

This  parasite  affects  cattle  also.  They  are  located  and  lay 
their  eggs  in  the  bronchial  tul)cs.  The  male  parasite  is  from  one 
to  two  inches;  the  female  from  two  to  three  inches  in  length. 

Symptoms. — Cough,  difiicult  breathing,  and  panting.  Shreds 
of  mucus  may  be  passed  up.  The  animals  may  have  a  fair  appe- 
tiie,  and  if  they  live  over  winter  the  parasites  will  disappear. 

TpvEatment — Preventive. — It  will  be  some  time  before  the 
sheep  can  be  put  upon  the  land,  and  they  should  be  fed  well. 

Medicinal  Treatment. — Give  one  to  two  drachms  of  turj^en- 
tine,  in  oil,  and  inhalations  of  suli)liur.     The  shcc])  should  be  con- 


484  THE    STOCK    OWXEIj's    ADVISER. 

fiued  in  a  close  stable,  where  they  may  be  compelled  to  inhale  the 
fumes  of  burning  sulphur.  This  treatment  should  be  continued 
once  a  day  for  three  or  four  days.  Oil  of  turpentine,  one  to  two 
draclmis;  chloroform,  one-half  drachm;  carbolic  acid,  ten  minims, 
may  be  injected  in  the  trachea,  hypodermically,  every  day  for 
three  or  four  days. 

Sheep  suffer  from  the  various  sporadic  diseases  to  which  the 
cow  and  horse  are  subject.  Their  causes,  symptoms,  and  treat- 
ment may  be  found  under  Diseases  of  Cattle  and  ITorses.  The 
dose  for  the  sheep  is  about  one-fourth  of  that  for  the  horse. 


SWINE. 


XLvn. 

CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES  OF  SWINE. 

SWINE  PLAGUE. 

This  disease,  commonly  known  as  "  hog  cholera,"  is  a  disease 
peculiar  to  swine.  It  is  highly  contagious  and  infectious,  and 
extremely  fatal,  especially  among  young  animals.  It  seems  to 
prefer  in  its  attack  large  herds,  and  is  always  more  fatal  where 
animals  are  crow^ded  together.  Some  individual  animals  seem 
more  predisposed  than  others.  The  morbid  process,  although  in 
all  cases  essentially  the  same,  is  not  restricted  to  a  single  part  or 
organ,  or  to  a  set  of  organs,  but  has  its  seat  in  almost  all  parts  of 
the  body.  The  i>eriod  of  incubation  after  inoculation  is  about 
five  days. 

Symptoms.- — The  first  symptom  noticed  is  shivering,  lasting 
from  a  few  minutes  to  several  hours,  frequent  sneezing,  and 
more  or  less  cough.  The  temperature  is  greatly  elevated,  in 
some  cases  reaching  111°  F,  These  symptoms  are  followed  by 
loss  of  appetite,  a  rough  appearance  of  the  coat,  dropping  of  the 
ears,  loss  of  vivacity,  attempts  to  vomit,  a  tendency  to  root  in  the 
bedding,  and  to  lie  down  in  a  dark  and  quiet  corner;  watery 
eyes,  swelling  of  the  head,  eruptions  on  the  ears  and  other  parb 
of  the  body;  bleeding  from  the  nose,  swelling  of  the  eyelids;  diz- 
ziness, blindness,  lahored  breathing,  constipation,  or,  in  some 
cases,  diarrhoea.  There  will  be  rapid  emaciation  and  a  gaunt  ap- 
pearance of  the  flanks;  an  appetite  for  dirt,  an  increased  thirst, 
and  a  copious  discharge  from  the  nose.  The  peculiar,  offensive, 
and  fetid  odor  of  the  exhalations  and  of  the  excrements  may  be 
considered  as  characteristic  of  the  disease.  If  the  animals  are 
costive  the  fseces  are  grayish  or  brownish  black  and  hard;  if 
diarrhoea  is  present  the  fseces  are  of  a  grayish-green  color,  and 

(487) 


488  THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 

contain  in  some  cases  an  admixture  of  blood.  In  a  large  numoer 
of  cases  red  spots  are  seen  between  the  hind  legs,  behind  the  ears, 
and  on  the  nose  and  neck.  Toward  a  fatal  termination  of  the 
disease,  this  redness  changes  frequently  to  purple.  As  the  dis- 
ease progresses  the  animal  becomes  weaker,  and  there  is  lameness 
in  the  hind  leg.  The  animal,  when  standing,  carries  the  head 
near  the  ground.  As  the  fatal  termination  approaches,  there  will 
be  fetid  diarrhoea,  taking  place  of  costiveness.  The  voice  be- 
comes faint  and  hoarse,  and  the  animal  is  unconscious;  the  skin 
becomes  wrinkled  and  dry,  with  a  cold,  clammy  sweat.  In  those 
few  cases  in  which  the  disease  has  not  a  fatal  termination,  the 
symptoms  above  enumerated  gradually  subside.  The  hacking 
cough  remains  for  a  long  time. 

MORBID    ANATOMY. 

A  more  or  less  hepatization  of  the  lung,  so  extensive  in  some 
cases  that  a  portion  of  the  lung  will  sink  like  a  rock  in  water. 
The  lymp'hatic  glands  are  enlarged,  as  also  the  mesenteric  glands. 
In  some  cases  they  present  even  a  brownish  or  blackish  color. 
ISTumerous  bacilli  suis  are  found  in  these  parts  and  in  the  lung. 
The  trachea  contains  a  frothy  mucus;  its  mucous  membrane  con- 
gested and  swollen.  The  pleura  and  pericardium  contain  a  straw- 
colored  serum.  The  heart  is  more  or  less  congested;  is  flabby 
and  dark  in  ap^oearance,  owing  to  the  engorgement  of  its  blood 
vessels.  Tumors  or  morbid  growths  appear  on  the  mucous  mem- 
brane of  the  intestines,  varying  in  size  from  that  of  a  pin's  head 
to  a  pigeon's  egg.  They  are  of  a  grayish-black  color.  These 
tumors  contain  innumera'ble  bacilli  suis,  and  are  found  through- 
out the  intestines.  Tumors  may  now  and  then  be  seen  on  the 
mucous  membrane  of  the  gall,  bladder,  stomach,  and  uterus. 
Slight  changes  appear  in  the  liver,  pancreas,  and  spleen.  Morbid 
changes  are  sometimes  seen  on  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  eye, 
the  lower  jaw,  and  in  the  skin.  Xumerous  small  growths  de- 
velop, extendine:  but  slightly  into  t^he  cutis,  but  causing  a  com- 
plete degeneration  of  the  epidermis,  and  leaving  behind,  if  re- 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  SWINE.  489 

moved,  an  uneven  raw  surface.  In  some  cases  they  are  so  numer- 
ous between  the  legs  and  behind  the  ears  as  to  produce  a  slough- 
ing of  the  whole  skin.  Eed  or  purple  spots  and  pa'tches  are  found 
in  the  skin,  on  the  under  ^surface  of  the  body,  behind  the  ears, 
and  between  the  legs.  The  blood  becomes  altered  and  reduced  in 
quantity,  is  of  a  dark  color,  and  coagulates  very  readily  when  ex- 
posed to  air.  The  blood  examined  microscopically  will  be  seen  to 
contain  large  num'bers  of  the  hacilli  suis. 

Measures  to  Akkest  the  Disease. — To  effectually  stamp  out 
the  disease,  congressional  legislation  is  necessar}-.  One  farmer 
may  successfully  eradicate  it  from  his  own  herds,  but  so  long  as 
his  neighbor's  continue  to  harbor  it,  his  stock  is  daily  subjected 
to  the  danger  of  renewed  infection.  His  personal  sacrifice  is  all 
in  vain  so  long  as  his  neighbors'  hogs  are  dying.  Animals  are 
only  safe  from  infection  at  a  distance  of  one  mile,  and  a  strong 
wind  will  carry  the  disease  from  farm  to  farm.  When  hog 
cholera  breaks  out  in  a  community  the  hogs  are  too  often  shipped 
to  market,  thus  disseminating  the  disease. 

Every  sick  hog  should  be  destroyed,  immediately  buried  or 
burnt,  and  the  premises  should  be  disinfected.  If  this  be  done 
the  disease  may  be  stamped  out  in  a  short  time.  If  this  cannot 
be  done,  the  diseased  herd  should  be  isolated  and  their  pens  dis- 
infected. The  healthy  animals  on  the  same  farm  should  be  kept 
in  movable  pens  on  high  and  dry  ground.  The  pens  should  be 
moved  each  day  to  a  new  spot.  These  pens  could  be  made  with  a 
few  planks.  The  troughs  should  be  kept  clean  and  the  water 
pure.  The  healthy  animals  should  not  be  waited  on  by  those 
that  attend  the  diseased  animals. 

Therapeutically,  but  little  can  be  done  to  prevent  an  outbreak. 
Carbolic  acid  may  be  used  to  disinfect  the  premises,  and  it  may 
be  given  internally  in  the  drinking  water,  every  morning  and 
evening,  in  doses  of  from  ten  to  twenty  drops.  Chloride  of  lime 
is  also  a  good  disinfectant  for  use  in  the  pen.  A  solution  of  car- 
bolic acid  and  water  may  be  sprinkled  over  the  hogs  once  a  day. 


490  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — A  cure  for  this  disease  has  never  been  found. 
The  advertised  specifics  are  Avorthless.  'No  cnre  has  ever  been 
found  for  glanders,  cattle  plague,  and  anthrax. 

ANTHRAX. 

The  varieties  in  the  pig  are  reduced  to  anthrax  fever,  gloss 
anthrax,  and  anthrax  with  tumor.  This  disease  is  generally  pro- 
duced in  the  hog  when  allowed  to  run  in  pastures  where  cattle  are 
dying  from  anthrax,  or  from  eating  flesh  of  other  animals  that 
have  died  of  the  malady. 

Anthrax  fever  is  rapidly  fatal  in  the  pig,  killing  without  pre- 
vious manifestations  of  sickness.  In  mild  cases  there  will  be 
sudden  prostration,  hanging  ears,  arched  back,  sullen  appearance, 
vomition  of  a  coffee-colored  fluid,  continual  convulsions,  paralysis 
of  the  extremities,  rapid  alteration  of  heat  in  the  'body,  highly  in- 
jected mucous  mem'brane,  followed  by  death. 

Gloss  Anthrax. — In  this  form  there  is  great  swelling  of  the 
throat,  pharynx,  larynx,  and  tongue.  The  parts  become  gan- 
grenous, an  exhaustive  diarrhoea  sets  in,  accompanied  with  a  dis- 
charge of  blood,  and  speedy  death. 

Anthrax  with  tumor  is  rare  in  the  pig.  "WHien  it  does  occur, 
the  tumors  form  below  the  parotid  gland  on  each  side  and  be- 
tween the  lower  jaw  and  wind-pipe.  The  tumors  are  very  pain- 
ful to  the  touch.  There  is  no  treatment  for  this  disease  when  it 
occurs  in  the  hog.  It  rarely  occurs  in  this  country,  but  is  preva- 
lent in  India  and  Africa.  In  India  it  is  termed  ''  Loodiana  Dis- 
ease "  in  Africa  ''Horse  Sickness." 

TUBERCULOSIS. 

This  disease  is  not  often  found  in  swine,  but  they  are  not 
exempt.  They  generally  contract  the  disease  by  drinking  milk 
from  tuberculous  cows.  The  animal  Avill  present  all  symptoms  of 
tuberculosis  as  shown  in  other  animals.  For  further  information 
on  tuberculosis,  see  chapter  on  this  subject  under  Diseases  of 
Cattle. 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  SWINE.  491 

SPORADIC  DISEASES  OF  HOGS. 

The  hog  in  his  natural  state  is  ahnosit  free  from  disease.  His 
power  to  resist  disease  has  been  greatly  lessened  by  continual 
close  breeding  and  improper  treatment.  An  injudicious  prac- 
tice of  crossing  has  been  carried  to  such  an  extent  as  to  almost 
obliterate  traces  of  the  original  breed.  An  attempt  has  been 
made  to  improve  upon  nature,  to  make  a  permanent  stock  that 
will  reproduce  itself,  which  has  proven  a  failure.  All  hogs  be- 
long to  one  great  family,  and  it  is  a  law  of  nature  that,  where 
great  divergence  has  taken  place  from  any  j^arent  stock,  a  ten- 
dency to  revert  prevails.  However,  if  a  judicious  system  of 
crossing  be  practiced,  certain  breeds  may  be  improved.  The 
male  may  be  selected  carefully  from  some  special  breed,  as 
Poland  China,  and  crossed  with  an  opposite  breed  in  shape  and 
habits,  as  the  Essex.  In-breeding  is  often  practiced  through 
an  effort  to  dbtain  a  perfectly  pure  breed  of  any  particular 
species.  Hogs  bred  in  such  a  manner  are  predisposed  to  dis- 
eases of  every  sort.  The  custom  of  breeding  from  sow^s  too 
young  is  a  predisposing  cause  of  disease.  The  sow  should  not 
be  allowed  to  become  pregnant  until  one  year  old.  Before  that 
time  she  is  growing  and  immature.  The  results  of  breeding- 
young  sows  and  in-breeding  are  loss  of  vitality  and  scrofulous 
degeneracy.  This  is  well  exemplified  in  herds  when  cholera  is 
raging. 


SKELETON    OF    THE    HOG    (Omnivora). 

Axial  Skeleton. 

the  skull. 

Cranial  Bones. — a.  Occipital,  1;  b,  Parietal,  2;  d.  Frontal,  2;  c,  Temporal,  2; 
Sphenoid,   1;   Ethmoid,   1;   Auditory   ossicles,   8. 

Facial  Bones.— g.  Nasal,  2;  h,  Os  rostri,  1;  f.  Lachrymal,  2;  e.  Malar,  2;  i. 
Maxilla,  2;  k,  Preuiaxilla,  2;  I,  Inferior  maxilla,  1;  Palatine,  2;  Pterygoid,  2; 
Vomer,  1;  Turbinals,  4;  Hyoid  (segments),  5.  Teeth— Incisors,  12;  Canines,  4; 
Molars,  28. 

The  Trunlu—m,  Cervicle  vertebrae,  7;  n.  Dorsal  vertebrae,  14;  o,  Lumbar  verte- 
brae, 7;  p.  Sacrum  (four  segments),  1;  q.  Coccygeal  vertebrae  (variable),  18;  r  r. 
Ribs,  28;  ♦  Sternum  (seven  sternebrse),  1;  •>  Costal  cartilages. 

Appendicular  Skeleton, 
pectoral  limb. 

r.  Scapula,  2;  w.  Humerus,  2;  x,  Radius,  2;  y,  Ulna,  2.  Carpus— s^.  Trapezium, 
2:  a',  Cuneiform,  2;  6',  Lunar,  2;  c',  Scaphoid,  2;  d',  Unciform,  2;  e',  Tilagnum, 
;i;  r.  Trapezoid,  2;  j/',  Pisiform,  2.  Metacarpus— ft',  Bones,  8;  Large  sesamoids, 
16.  Digit— t'.  Proximal  phalanges,  8;  fc',  Mesian  phalanges,  8;  V,  Distal  pha- 
langes, 8;  I",  Small  sesamoids,  8. 

PELVIC    LIMB. 

Pelvis.— Os  Innominatum— s.   Ilium,  2;  t,  Pubis,  2;  m.   Ischium,  2. 

The  Limb.—m',  Femur,  2;  n',  Patella,  2;  o',  Til)ia,  2;  p',  Fibula,  2.  Tarsus— fl', 
Calcaneum,  3;  r'.  Astragalus,  2;  s'.  Cuboid,  2;  r,  Cuneiforme  magnum,  2;  m', 
Ecto.cunei forme,  2;  v'  w',  Meso-  and  Endocuneiformes,  4.  Metatarsus— Large 
bones,  8;  x'.  Small  bones,  2;  j/'.  Large  sesamoids,  16.  Digit— Proximal  pha- 
langes, 8;  Mesian  phalanges,  8;  Distal  phalanges,  8;  small  sesamoids,  8. 

Visceral   Skeleton. 

None. 

The  separate  bones  of  the  Skeleton  of  the  Hog,  as  here  considered,  are  324. 

(  492  ) 


XLVIII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  SYSTEM. 

PNEUMONIA. 

This  sometimes  occurs  in  hogs,  and  the  causes  are  similar  to 
those  producing  the  disease  in  other  animals,  as  sudden  altera- 
tions in  temperature,  exposure,  etc.  It  is  produced  sometimes 
by  using  a  close  pen,  with  an  adjoining  unprotected  inclosure 
for  the  animals  to  run  in.  The  change  from  the  close  pen  into 
the  open  air,  with  no  protection  from  the  wind_,  results  in  colds 
and  pneumonia.  An  animal  taken  from  a  wann  pen  and  turned 
on  pasture,  with  no  protection  at  night,  will  sometimes  suffer 
with  colds  and  lung  troubles. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  stands  or  sits  up  most  of  the  time; 
there  is  an  elevation  in  temperature;  the  pulse  is  increased,  with 
increased  respirations;  there  is  a  frequent  cough;  the  limbs  be- 
come cold;  the  animal  stands  with  the  back  arched  and  the  nose 
low  to  the  ground.  Auscultation  and  percussion  are  of  little  aid 
in  the  diagnosis  of  lung  disease  in  the  hog. 

Treatment. — Tincture  of  aconite,  in  from  five  to  ten  drop 
doses,  should  be  used.  If  the  animal  shows  great  weakness,  with 
a  weak  pulse,  a  drachm  of  alcohol  should  be  given  three  times  a 
day.  Xitrate  of  potash,  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water,  is  bene- 
ficial. If  the  animal  will  not  take  it  in  the  drinking  water, 
drachm  doses  should  l)e  given  along  with  the  drench.  Milk 
should  be  given  as  soon  as  the  appetite  returns,  and  finally 
stronger  food  may  be  given.  Mustard  should  be  applied  to  the 
lungs. 

The  hog  may  have  bronchitis,  laryngitis,  trachitis,  etc.  The 
causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment  are  similar  to  those  of  the  same 
diseases  in  other  animals.  The  dose  for  the  hog  is  about  one- 
eighth  that  of  the  horse. 

( 403 ) 


XLIX. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 

The  hog  frequently  suffers  with  diseases  of  the  digestive 
organs.  He  is  an  omnivorous  animal,  eating  both  animal  and 
vegetable  food;  his  instinct  demands  and  his  health  requires 
such  food.  In  his  native  state,  he  obtains  animal  food  by  dig- 
ging wonns  with  his  nose.  The  improved  methods  of  swine 
breeding  have  proclaimed  the  nose  of  the  hog  a  useless  appen- 
dage. He  is  deprived  of  his  natural  method  of  obtaining  food 
by  putting  a  ring  in  his  nose.  Thus  deprived  of  the  natural 
means  of  obtaining  a  supply  of  animal  food,  he  is  forced  to  sub- 
sist almost  exclusively  upon  vegetable  diet,  consisting  mostly  of 
corn.  In  the  corn-growing  and  hog-growing  districts,  the  only 
food  received  from  birth  to  slaughter  is  com.  Where  this  diet 
is  used,  hogs  frequently  suffer  with  troubles  of  the  digestive 
organs. 

The  symptoms  of  stomach  and  bowel  troubles  are  a  refusal 
of  food;  the  hog  stands  and  hangs  the  head  low  tothe  ground, 
stamps  the  feet,  especially  the  hind  ones,  or  he  may  lie  down 
most  of  the  time.  The  ears  are  dropped,  the  face  indicates  pain, 
the  forehead  having  a  wrinkled  appearance.  The  tongue  is  gen- 
erally white  and  flabby,  especially  when  the  stomach  is  affected. 
If  the  tongue  is  narrow,  red,  and  contracted,  it  shows  that  the 
stomach  requires  acids.  Sllight  tympanitK?s  may  be  present, 
which  may  be  detected  by  tapping  on  the  abdomen  when  the  hog 
is  lying  down.     The  animal  may  vomit  in  some  cases. 

Treatment. — Give  one  drachm  of  aloes,  or,  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, four  ounces  of  epsom  salts  may  be  used.  To  relieve  pain, 
the  following  remedies  may  be  used:  Tincture  of  opium,  two 
drachms;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  drachm;  water,  a  half  pint^ 

( -194  ) 


DISEASES    OF    THE    DIGESTIVE    OEGANS. 


495 


every  four  hours.  Enemas  should  be  administered.  If  gas  is 
present,  a  half  ounce  of  turpentine  may  be  substituted  for  the 
nitre  in  the  above  drench.  Bicarbonate  of  soda,  in  half-drachm 
doses,  may  be  given,  and  is  an  excellent  remedy. 

CONSTIPATION. 

This  condition  is  frequently  seen  in  hogs.  Two  or  three  of  a 
herd  may  cease  to  eat.  They  will  wander  off,  and  at  feeding  time 
will  not  come  up.  Repeated  and  ineffectual  efforts  to  pass  faeces 
are  observed. 

Treatment. — Give  four  ounces  of  epsom  salts  and  administer 
enema. 

The  hog  may  suffer  with  the  various  diseases  of  the  digestive 
canal.  The  causes,  symptoms,  and  treatment  are  similar  to  those 
of  the  same  disease  in  the  horse. 


NERVOUS  DISEASES  OF  THE  HOG. 

ENCEPHALITIS. 

The  pig  sometimes  suffers  with  inflammation  of  the  brain. 
This  occurs  most  frequently  when  running  in  pastures  where  the 
grass  is  over-ripe.  It  may  also  arise  from  the  effects  of  some  nar- 
cotic agent,  or  may  be  produced  by  tumors  or  abscesses  forming 
in  the  brain. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  marked  dullness,  increasing  as  the 
disease  progresses.  The  animal  is  excited  by  noise,  the  urine  is 
scant,  and  the  bowels  constipated.  The  pulse  falls  below  normal. 
The  respirations  are  slow  and  usually  stertorous  in  character. 
The  animal  when  standing  hangs  the  head  or  rests  the  nose  on 
the  ground;  staggers,  falls,  and  ultimately  is  unable  to  rise. 

Treatment. — But  little  can  be  done  in  this  case.  One  drachm 
of  aloes  should  be  administered.  Twenty  grains  of  the  bromide 
of  potassium  may  be  used.  Belladonna  tincture,  in  five-minim 
doses,  is  an  excellent  remedy  for  inflammation  of  the  brain  in 
hogs. 

EPILEPSY. 

This  sometimes  occurs  in  hogs,  and  is  due  to  intestinal  derange- 
ment, such  as  worms,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  patient  gives  way  behind,  begins  champing 
the  jaws,  froths  at  the  mouth,  and  there  is  spasmodic  jerking  of 
the  head.  The  head  is  gradually  raised  as  the  fit  comes  on,  and 
finally  the  hog  falls  backwards  on  the  ground,  the  attack  lasting 
for  three  or  four  minutes;  after  which  he  arises,  and  is  appa- 
rently well  again. 

( 496 ) 


NEEVOUS    DISEASES    OF    THE    HOG.  497 

Treatment. — Give  one  drachm  of  aloes,  and  follow  with  ten- 
grain  doses  of  potassium  bromide.  An  endeavor  should  be  made 
to  remove  the  cause. 

For  other  nervous  diseases  in  the  hog,  see  Xervous  Diseases 
of  the  Horse. 


u. 

PARASITES  OF  THE  HOG. 

STRONGYLUS  ELONGATUS. 

This  parasite  is  located  in  the  lungs  of  hogs.  They  are  gen- 
erally found  in  the  terminal  part  of  the  main  bronchium  in  the 
posterior  lobe  of  one  or  both  lungs.  Other  air  tubes  are  occa- 
sionally infested.  The  male  is  eight  to  nine  inches  in  length,  the 
female  one  to  one  and  a  half.  They  have  curled  tails.  Pigs  in- 
fested by  these  worms  thrive  badly,  aad  may  die. 

Treatment. — These  parasites  may  be  destroyed  by  placing 
the  herd  in  a  close  pen  and  compelling  them  to  inhale  the  fumes 
of  burning  sulphur  once  a  day  for  three  days.  When  the  hogs 
begin  coughing  they  may  be  released. 

TRICOCEPHAIUS  DISPAI— WHIP  WORMS  OF  SWINE. 

These  are  found  in  large  numbers  in  the  intestines,  the  caecum, 
and  colon.  This  worm  is  characterized  by  a  long,  delicate,  ante- 
rior part  of  the  body,  and  a  short,  thick,  posterior  portion.  The 
male  is  about  one  and  a  half  inches  long,  and  is  curved  in  a 
spiral.  The  female  is  one  and  a  half  to  two  inches  in  length. 
When  these  worms  are  present,  they  may  cause  an  inflammation 
of  the  large  intestines,  with  costiveness  or  diarrhoea  and  a  rapidly 
advancing  bloodlessness. 

Teeatment. — Give  a  half  ounce  of  the  oil  of  turpentine,  and 
continue  the  treatment  once  a  day  for  six  or  seven  days. 

SCLEROSTOMUM  DENTATUM. 

This  ig  another  small  worm  of  the  caecum  and  colon  in  hogs. 
It  is  only  about  one-third  to  one-half  inch  in  length.     They  fix 

(498) 


PARASITES  OF  THE  HOG. 


499 


themselves  to  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  intestine,  penetrate 
the  tissue  with  their  sharp  teeth,  and  live  upon  the  blood. 

Symptoms. — If  present  in  large  numbers  the  hog  becomes  pale 
and  bloodless,  with  rapid  loss  of  condition  and  anaema.  There 
will  be  an  irritation  of  the  bowels,  followed  by  constipation  or 
diarrhoea. 

Treatment. — Give  half-ounce  doses  of  turpentine.  Santo- 
nine,  in  ten-grain  doses,  will  often  remove  them. 

CYSTICERCUS  ZEMICOLLIS. 

Considerable  numbers  of  this  hydatid  are  found  in  the  abdomi- 
nal cavity,  omentum  peritoneum,  liver,  and  kidney.  IN^o  symp- 
toms are  shown,  but  without  the  appearance  of  much  harm  they 
may  be  destructive  to  life.  The  treatment  is  similar  to  that  of 
the  last  mentioned  parasite. 

Many  hog-raisers  speak  of  kidney  worms,  characterized  by  the 
animal's  losing  the  use  of  its  posterior  parts.  I  have  failed  to 
find  worms  in  the  kidneys  that  could  produce  any  well-marked 
disease. 

General  Care  and  Treatment. — The  natural  haunts  of  the 
pig  in  a  wild  state  are  in  the  torrid  zone.  Swine  are  never  found 
in  a  northern  climate.  They  must  therefore  be  protected  from 
cold.  The  pens  should  be  warm,  and  at  the  same  time  well  venti- 
lated. The  ventilation  should  be  at  the  top,  as  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  in  cold  climates  to  utilize  the  natural  heat  of  the  hog 
to  keep  the  pen  at  a  moderate  temperature.  There  should  be  no 
ventilation  below  in  winter.  The  floor  of  the  pen  should  be  cov- 
ered wnth  a  foot  of  clay,  the  feeding  floor  should  have  several 
inches  slope  to  carry  off  rain.  By  having  the  feeding  floor  open 
to  the  rain,  sun,  and  wind,  it  is  kept  pure.  The  lot  should  slope 
away  from  the  pen,  in  order  that  rain  may  assist  in  removing 
refuse  matter  from  the  surface.  Straw  or  leaves  are  not  neces- 
sary in  the  sleeping  rooms  when  clay  is  used.  The  hog  in  its 
wild  state  grew  up  and  roamed  in  the  forest  until  maturity. 
Being  allowed  free  use  of  their  noses,  and  being  omnivorous  by 


500  THE    STOCK    OWiS^ER'S    ADVISER. 

nature,  they  fed  on  worms,  roots,  mast,  and  such  food  as  was 
adapted  to  tbem.  They  exercised  as  their  inclinations  or  neces- 
sities inclined;  had  access  to  springs  and  streams  of  iiinning 
water;  slept  in  storm-sheltered  thickets,  on  beds  of  clean  leaves, 
and  enjoyed  under  these  circumstances  a  vigor  of  constitution 
and  immunity  from  disease  unknown  to  modem  swine-breeders. 
As  the  country  became  populated  and  agriculture  advanced,  the 
long-nosed  hog  began  to  disappear.  Agriculturists  found  that  a 
hog  fed  to  profit  must  have  an  inbred  tendency,  with  close  con- 
finement. We  thus  see  that  the  hog  of  to-day  is  of  impaired 
constitution,  and  that  its  habits,  as  imposed  by  the  will  of  the 
farmer,  do  not  approach  so  nearly  a  strict  observance  of  the  laws 
of  health,  as  do  the  instinctive  habits  of  the  animal  in  an  unre- 
strained state  of  nature. 

As  I  have  sr.id,  the  most  improved  methods  of  swine  breeding 
have  proclaii.  ed  the  nose  of  the  hog  a  useless  appendage.  Rings 
arc  put  in  his  i.ose  which  deprive  him  of  animal  food,  and  force 
him  to  live  almost  upon  an  exclusively  vegetable  diet,  mostly  of 
corn.  The  object  in  feeding  swine  is  to  accumulate  fat  as  rapidly 
as  possible  in  those  intended  for  market,  to  keep  stock  hogs  in 
healthy,  growing  condition,  and  to  have  breed  sows  in  the  best 
condition  for  bearing.  To  accomplish  this  the  stomach  must  be 
kept  in  a  healthy  condition,  and  not  overloaded.  Hogs  should 
not  be  fed  on  an  exclusive  diet  of  corn  and  water.  Green  food 
should  be  furnished  them.  Hogs  fed  on  corn  may  have  sour 
slops  fed  to  an  advantage.  If  kept  on  clover,  slops  should  not 
be  given,  but  rather  roots  and  vegetables,  such  as  potatoes,  tur- 
nips, etc.  An  exclusive  clover  diet  is  not  proper  food  for  the 
hog.  It  is  very  good  if  the  hog  receives  a  supply  of  potatoes, 
turnips,  corn,  etc.  I  have  seen  relief  afforded  by  change  of  food 
when  hogs  were  dying  rapidly  on  an  exclusive  clover  diet.  When 
a  herd  does  not  eat  well,  the  tongues  of  a  few  should  be  exam- 
ined. If  the  tongues  are  red  and  contracted,  give  some  slop  or 
turn  them  to  clover  pasture,  and  they  will  at  once  improve.  If 
their  tongues  are  large,  pale  and  flabby,  give  corn,  cornmeal, 


PARASITES   OF  THE   HOG. 


501 


cooked  root  vegetables,  and  use  soda  in  the  feed.  If  farmers 
must  keep  their  hogs  on  grass,  and  must  use  rings  to  save  their 
clover,  they  should  furnish  the  food  which  the  hog's  nature  re- 
quires. As  a  rule,  the  constituents  of  all  grasses  and  annual 
plants  are  acid,  have  an  acid  reaction.  Especially  is  this  the  case 
with  clover.  Koot  vegetables  have  an  alkaline  reaction,  and  are 
composed  largely  of  phosphates  and  soda  salts.  In  clay  soils, 
hogs  can  probably  supply  themselves  from  the  ground  with 
phosphate,  but  when  confined  to  a  black,  loaming  soil  they  can 
obtain  but  little  of  these  necessary  salts  from  the  earth.  Where 
root  vegetables  cannot  be  obtained,  and  hogs  are  kept  on  a  clover 
range,  soda  and  lime,  or  sulphate  of  iron,  should  be  given  freely. 
Corn  should  not  be  given  exclusively;  roots  should  be  given  in 
order  to  make  a  change  in  the  bill  of  fare.  If  the  corn  is  cooked, 
it  will  make  much  better  food.  The  water  should  be  clean,  pure, 
running  water,  and  should  be  within  reach  of  the  hogs  at  all 
times.  During  the  hot  months  it  seldom  happens  that  hogs  have 
a  proper  supply  of  good,  pure  water.  In  many  cases  the  animals 
have  only  thin  mud  or  stagnant  water.  Young  pigs,  if  reared 
on  a  floor,  frequently  become  ill  and  die  when  four  or  five  weeks 
old.  In  such  case  they  should  be  moved  from  the  wooden  to  a 
dirt  floor;  if  possible,  it  should  be  a  clay  floor.  If  pigs  and 
mother  be  moved  at  once,  immediate  relief  is  obtained. 

Pigs  may  be  weaned  at  six  weeks  old,  and  soon  after  they  may 
be  castrated. 


THE  DOG. 


LII. 
THE  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  THE  DOG. 

From  the  earliest  known  history,  the  dog,  the  companion  and 
friend  of  man,  is  found  in  ahnost  every  part  of  the  globe.  He  is 
supposed  to  have  originated  from  the  wolf,  another  variety  of 
the  same  family.  Their  inclinations  to  associate  with  each  other, 
their  readiness  to  breed  together,  and  anatomical  similarity, 
seemed  sufficient  proof  of  relatiouGliip,  But  even  thi^  is  not 
absolute  proof  that  the  dog  originated  from  the  wolf.  From 
earliest  history,  the  dog  has  been  the  same  docile  and  affectionate 
animal  as  now.  Intellectually,  the  dog  ranks  next  to  the  human. 
The  inferior  animals  are,  to  a  certain  extent,  endowed  with  the 
same  faculties  as  ourselves.  Hatred,  love,  fear,  courage,  jealousy, 
and  many  varied  passions  influence  and  agitate  them  as  they  do 
human  beings.  The  dog  is  susceptible  to  every  impression.  With 
regard  to  intellectual  power,  the  difference  between  man  and 
animals  is  in  degree,  and  not  in  kind.  In  the  quadruped  as  well 
as  the  biped,  knowledge  is  derived  from  the  perception  of  things 
around  us.  A  certain  impression  is  made  on  the  outward  fiber* 
of  a  sensitive  nene.  That  impression  in  some  mysterious  way  is 
conveyed  to  the  brain,  and  there  it  is  fixed,  imagination  com- 
bining it  with  many  impressions.  Judgment  determines  the 
value  of  it  and  the  conclusions  that  are  to  be  drawn  from  it. 

The  writer  has  frequently  observed  this  phenomenon  of  im- 
pressions and  the  keenness  of  perception  in  dogs  during  opera- 
tions. Often,  when  approached  for  examination,  they  at  first 
offer  resistance.  All  at  once,  however,  something  seems  to  strike 
their  minds.  They  will  utter  a  little  whine,  wag  their  tails, 
crouch  at  our  feet,  and  lay  themselves  down  for  inspection.  A 
word  or  two  of  kindness  is  all  that  is  necessary,  and  they  will 
readily  submit  to  the  most  painful  operation.     This  is  better 

( 505  ) 


506  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

exemplified  in  the  female.  The  flesh  quivers  as  the  knife  pur- 
sues its  course,  a  moan  or  two  escapes,  but  yet  she  does  not  strug- 
gle; and  her  first  act,  after  all  is  over,  is  to  lick  the  operator's 
hand.  Years  may  pass,  but  whenever  she  sees  the  operator  she 
testifies  her  joy  and  gratitude  in  the  most  expressive  and  endear- 
ing manner.  Often,  seeing  me  on  the  crowded  street,  they  will 
cross  over  for  recognition. 

The  important  faculty  termed  attention  is  well  developed  in 
the  dog.  It  is  this  which  distinguishes  the  promising  from  the 
unpromising  pupil,  and  the  scientific  man  from  the  superficial 
and  ignorant  one.  The  power  of  keeping  the  mind  steadily  upon 
one  purpose  is  the  great  secret  of  individual  and  moral  improve- 
ment. We  see  the  habit  of  attention  carried  to  a  very  consid- 
erable extent  in  the  dog.  The  setter  or  pointer  stands  firm  to 
his  point,  even  though  the  blunders  and  unskillfulness  of  his 
master  annoys  him.  The  fox  hound,  insensible  to  a  thousand 
scents,  and  deaf  to  every  sound,  anxiously  and  perseveringly 
searches  out  the  track  of  his  prey.  The  drover's  dog,  leading  a 
flock  of  sheep  through  pastures  and  crowded  streets  without 
losing  a  single  one  and  without  human  aid;  the  terrier  eagerly 
watching  for  vermin — these  are  striking  illusferations  of  the 
power  of  attention.  The  faculty  of  memory  in  the  dog  and 
horse  is  remarkable,  of  Avhicli  we  could  give  numerous  instances. 
The  dog  has  remarkable  powers  of  ojbservation  and  reasoning, 
independent  of  any  training,  many  of  his  performances  being 
entirely  voluntary  and  the  result  of  causes  dependent  upon  acci- 
dental circumstances  alone.  A  good  bird  dog  will  noiselessly 
withdraw  from  his  point,  hunt  up  his  master,  and  induce  him, 
by  peculiar  signs,  to  follow  to  the  spot  where  he  had  observed 
the  birds.  The  St.  Bernadine  is  remarkable  for  such  faculties,  so 
much  so  that  he  is  employed  in  the  Alps  to  search  for  frozen 
wanderers,  administer  refreshments,  and  lead  them  to  places  of 
safety  and  shelter.  The  St.  Bernard  is  known  to  have  voluntarily 
gone  a  distance  of  a  mile,  bark  and  make  a  noise  at  a  neighbor's 
door,  inducing  some  one  to  follow  him  to  the  rescue  of  man  or 


THE    EARLY    HISTORY    OF    THE    DOG. 


607 


beast.  In  every  country  and  in  every  time  there  have  existed 
between  man  and  dog  associations  different  from  those  with  other 
animals.  Otlier  animals  may  be  brought  to  a  certain  degree  of 
familiarity,  and  may  display  much  affection  and  gratitude,  but 
they  can  rarely  be  said  to  love  or  even  recognize  us,  except  for 
the  satisfying  of  their  wants.  The  horse  will  exhibit  degrees  of 
affection;  he  will  share  some  of  our  pleasures,  enjoys  the  chase, 
and  feels  the  influence  and  emulation  of  victory,  but  his  affec- 
tions are  selfish  and  easily  transferable.  "With  the  dog,  however, 
it  is  otherwise.  Ilis  courage,  his  fidelity,  and  devotion  induce 
us  to  admire  and  love  him.  If  he  transgresses  and  is  punished, 
immediately  when  it  is  over,  by  some  significant  gesture,  he  will 
acknowledge  his  consciousness  of  deserving  what  he  has  suffered. 
He  will  fly  to  us  with  alacrity  and  submissively  lay  at  our  feet. 
A  glance  of  the  eye  is  suflficieut,  for  he  understands  the  least  ex- 
pression of  our  will.  He  has  all  the  candor  of  friendship,  with 
fidelity  and  constancy  in  his  affections.  He  is  all  zeal  and  obedi- 
ence. Xeither  interest  nor  desire  of  revenge  can  corrupt  him, 
and  he  has  no  fear  but  that  of  displeasing.  He  speedily  forgets 
ill-usage,  or  only  recollects  it  to  make  returning  attachments  the 
stronger.  He  licks  the  hand  which  causes  him  pain,  and  subdues 
his  anger  by  submission.  He  shares  in  our  abundance,  and  he  is 
content  with  the  scantiest  and  most  humble  fare. 

CARE  OF  THE  DOG. 

"Where  one  or  two  dogs  are  kept,  they  generally  take  a  suffi- 
cient amount  of  exercise  of  their  own  accord.  Kennel  dogs 
should  be  exercised  dally.  In  feeding  dogs,  the  little  puppies 
should  be  taught  to  lap  milk  when  about  three  weeks  old.  The 
milk  should  be  scalded  and  slightly  sweetened.  AVhen  the  pup- 
pies are  about  four  weeks  old,  they  may  begin  taking  a  little  soup, 
to  which  stale  bread  is  added.  This  will  pass  them  over  the 
weaning  period,  which  usually  takes  place  when  the  puppies  are 
six  weeks  old.  The  young  dog  should  receive  a  mixed  diet  of 
well-boiled  meats  and  veeetables.     Thev  should  not  be  allowed 


508  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

much  meat ;  they  require  some,  but  it  is  safer  to  give  principally 
a  vegetable  diet.  The  puppy  should  be  fed  four  times  a  day 
until  he  is  four  or  five  months  old.  He  may  then  be  fed  twice  a 
day,  receiving  very  little  in  the  morning.  The  largest  feed 
should  be  at  night.  When  the  puppy  is  two  or  three  months  old 
his  condition  should  be  carefully  watched.  His  food  at  this  time 
should  be  limited,  for  two  reasons — first,  that  his  body  may  not 
become  too  heavy  for  his  legs,  causing  rickets;  and,  secondly, 
lest  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs  lead  to  distemper  and 
various  other  diseases.  Proper  exercise  and  nourishing  diet  are 
all  that  is  required  to  keep  the  dog  strong  and  healthy.  The 
various  prepared  dog  foods  should  not  be  used  except  for  con- 
venience, where  other  food  cannot  be  procured. 

Hunting  dogs  should  receive  abundant  food,  with  plenty  of 
meat.  They  cannot  do  their  work  well  unless  judiciously  fed. 
Each  dog  of  the  kennel  requires  particular  and  constitutional 
care.  Not  more  than  four  or  five  hounds  should  be  let  into  the 
eating  apartment  at  a  tiiue,  so  that  the  feeder  may  have  each 
hound  under  observation.  Some  hounds  cannot  run  if  they  carry 
luuch  flesh;  others  are  improved  by  it.  Much  depends  upon  the 
management  of  the  kennel.  The  keeper  must  be  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  appetite  of  every  hound,  for  some  will  eat  too 
much,  and  others  will  require  inducement  to  feed.  The  food 
should  be  boiled  in  two  iron  kettles — the  oatmeal  in  one,  the 
flesh  in  another.  The  flesh  should  be  cut  in  very  small  pieces 
and  mixed  with  meal.  It  should  be  stirred  for  two  hours  and 
then  transferred  to  flat  coolers. 

Delicate  hounds  succeed  well  on  dry,  unboiled  oatmeal.  When 
once  induced  to  take  it,  they  will  eat  it  readily.  Other  hounds  of 
delicate  constitution  may  be  tempted  with  a  little  additional 
flesh.  In  summer  an  extra  cow  or  two  should  be  kept  in  the 
dairy.  The  skimmed  milk  may  be  used  instead  of  flesh.  About 
Christmas  is  the  proper  time  to  arrange  the  breeding  establish- 
ment. The  bitch  should  not  breed  before  she  has  hunted  two 
seasons,  for  before  that  time  it  will  be  scarcely  possible  to  ascer- 


THE  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  THE  DOG. 


509 


tain  her  liuntiiig  qualities.  If  there  is  any  considerable  fault, 
she  should  not  be  bred.  The  pregnant  bitch  should  not  be  al- 
lowed to  engage  in  long  and  severe  chase,  but  kept  as  quiet  as 
practicable.  She  should  not  receive  too  great  abundance  of  food. 
Iler  condition  should  be  carefully  watched  before  and  during 
pupping.  After  pupping,  she  should  receive  an  increased  amount 
of  food,  with  plenty  of  milk.  Her  constitution  will  decide  how 
many  puppies  should  be  left  with  her  to  raise.  When  the  pup- 
pies are  sufficiently  grown  to  run  about,  they  should  be  placed  in 
a  warm  situation.  A  small  kennel  should  be  built  as  a  favorable 
place  for  them  to  pass  through  the  distemper,  which  they  will 
undoubtedly  have  sooner  or  later.  "When  young  hounds  first 
enter  the  main  kennel,  they  should  be  kept  separate  to  avoid 
quarreling. 

The  hounds  should  be  walked  out  every  day  and  taught  to 
follow  the  horse  with  the  keeper.  They  should  be  taken  out  on 
the  public  roads.  The  keeper  must  be  kind  and  patient,  other- 
wise he  is  not  fit  to  attend  a  kennel.  He  should  try  to  teach  the 
dog  the  nature  of  his  fault  before  correcting  him.  The  whip 
should  seldom  be  used,  as  it  generally  does  more  harm  than  good, 
not  being  used  judiciously.  The  young  hounds  may  be  coupled 
to  the  older  ones,  and  should  be  taken  out  among  the  sheep  until 
tliey  disregard  them.  They  should  not  be  allowed  to  hunt  im- 
proper game.  They  should  be  taken  out  in  the  country  over 
which  they  are  afterwards  to  hunt,  and  young  foxes  may  be 
turned  out  for  them  to  pursue,  until  they  are  turned  out  to  hunt 
game  in  earnest.  They  should  be  frequently  called  out  in  the 
kennel  and  their  names  gone  over.  As  the  sporting  season  ap- 
proaches, the  hounds  may  be  divided  in  two  packs,  to  be  taken 
out  alternate  days,  and  finally  the  whole  pack  may  be  taken  out 
together.  The  honi  should  be  used  only  as  an  instrument  of 
speaking  to  the  dogs.  Each  note  should  indicate  some  action, 
which  they  should  be  taught  to  obey.  A  certain  note  should  call 
them  together,  another  call  up  a  lost  hound,  and  another  should 
be  used  wlicn  the  fox  breaks  cover. 


510  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

LOCATION  OF  KENNELS. 

This  is  very  important.  The  kennel  should  be  located  in  a 
dry  and  warm  situation,  and  it  is  of  great  importance  that  it  be 
located  on  a  clay  soil.  If  located  on  a  gravelly  or  porous  soil, 
from  which  vapors  are  continually  rising  to  dampen  the  building, 
the  dogs  will  be  attached  with  rheumatism,  known  as  "kennel 
lameness."  The  dogs  should  never  be  washed  in  the  evening 
after  the  day's  hunt,  but  on  the  day  following.  Where  a  deep 
super-soil  of  clay  cannot  be  found,  one  or  two  layers  of  bricks  or 
stone  may  line  the  floor.  A  clean  bed  of  straw  should  be  allowed 
every  second  day,  or  oftcner  when  the  weather  is  wet.  The 
lodging  house  should  be  sealed,  and  there  should  be  shutters  on 
the  windows.  Stoves  should  not  be  used  in  kennels.  By  lying 
together,  dogs  will  keep  warm  in  a  correctly-built  kennel.  The 
plans  of  tJie  kennel  may  be  left  to  the  good  judgment  of  the 
owner. 


SKELETON  OF  THE  DOG  (Carnivora). 
Axial  Skeleton, 
the  skull. 
Cranial  Bones.— a,   Occipital,    1;   h,   Parietal,   2;  c,   Frontal,   2;   k,   Temporal,   2; 
Sphenoid,  1;  Ethmoid,  2;  Auditorj-  ossicles.  8. 

Facial  Bones.— f.  Nasal,  2;  c,  Lachr.vmal,  2;  d,  Malar,  2;  h,  Maxilla,  2;  g,  Pre- 
maxilla,  2;  i.  Inferior  maxilla,  2;  Palatine,  2;  Pterygoid,  2;  Vomer,  1:  Tnrbinals, 
4;  Hyoid  (segments),  9.     Teeth— Incisors,   12;  Canines,  4;   Molars,  26. 

The  Trunk.— I  I,  Cervical  vertebrae,  7;  m  tn,  Dorsal  vertebrae,  13;  n  n,  Lumbar 
vertebrae,  7;  o.  Sacrum  (three  segments),  1 ;  p  p,  Cocc.vgeal  vertebrae  (variable)j 
20;  t  t,   Ribs,  26;  •Sternum  (eight  sternebrse),   1;  ♦>  Costal  cartilages. 

Appendicular  Skeleton, 
pectoral  hjib. 
M,  Scapula,  2;  v,  Humerus,  2;  w,  Radius,  2;  x.  Ulna.  Carpus— j/,  Trapezium,  2; 
z,  Cuneiform,  2;  a'.  Scaphoid,  2;  b',  Unciform,  2;  c'.  Magnum,  2;  d',  Trapezoid,  2; 
e'.  Pisiform,  2;  Metacaipal  bones,  10;  h'.  Anterior  sesamoids,  10;  g',  Posterior 
sesamoids,  20.  Digit— i",  Proximal  phalanges,  10;  k',  Mesian  phalanges,  8;  I', 
Distal  phalanges,  10;  Small  sesamoids  wanting. 

PELVIC    LIMB. 

Pelvis.— Os  Innominatum— </,   Ilium,  2;  r,  Pubis,  2;  s,   Ischium,  2. 

The  Limb.—m',  Femur,  2;  o',  Fabellse,  4;  «',  Patella,  2;  q',  Tibia.  2;  p',  Tibial 
sesamoid,  2;  >',  Fibula,  2.  Tarsus— s',  Calcaneum,  2;  t'.  Astragalus,  2;  «', 
Cuboid,  2;  v',  Superior  cuneiform,  2;  w',  Ecto-cuneiforme,  2;  a;',  Meso-cunei- 
forme,  2;  v',  Endo-cunei forme,  2.  Metatarsus— Large  bones,  8;  z',  Small  bones, 
2;  Anterior  sesamoid,  8;  Posterior  sesamoids,  16.  Digit— Proximal  phalanges,  8; 
Mesian  phalanges,  8;  Distal  phalanges,  8;  Small  sesamoids  wanting. 

Visceral.  Skeleton. 
Os  Penis  ,1;  Rudimentary  clavicle  (inconstant),  2. 

The  bones  of  the  Carnivore  Skeleton,   thus  considered,   are  345. 
(511) 


Lin. 

CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

DISTEMPER. 

By  this  singular  name  is  distinguished  a  febrile  disease  due  to 
the  operation  of  a  morbid  poison,  occurring  spontaneously  from 
ordinary  causes  of  disease,  or  as  a  result  of  contagion  and  infec- 
tion. The  disease  is  known  throughout  the  world.  Dogs  of  all 
ages  are  subject  to  its  attack,  but  it  oftenest  appears  between  the 
sixth  and  twelfth  month  of  the  animal's  life.  If  at  an  earlier 
period,  it  generally  proves  fatal.  Distemper,  like  all  contagious 
and  infectious  diseases,  has  an  uncertain  but  short  period  of 
latency.  As  a  rule,  it  affects  the  system  but  once,  and  some- 
times prevails  as  an  epizootic.  It  varies  in  different  breeds.  The 
shepherd  is  scarcely  ill  a  day  with  it.  The  terrier  comes  next  in 
liability,  the  hound  next,  and  after  him  the  setter.  The  small 
spaniel  comes  next,  followed  by  the  pointer.  The  pug  is  next  in 
order,  and  the  Newfoundland  suffers  more  than  any  other  breed. 
Should  a  foreign  dog  be  affected,  he  almost  certainly  dies.  The 
delicate  stallion  grayhound  has  little  chance  when  imported  from 
abroad.  The  disease  differs  not  only  in  different  species  of  dogs, 
but  in  different  breeds  of  the  same  species. 

Symptoms. — The  primary  symptoms  are  those  of  fever,  asso- 
ciated with  those  of  catarrh.  The  dog  shivers,  is  dull,  restless, 
the  eyes  are  weak  and  watery,  the  nose  dry,  the  appetite  partially 
lost,  with  increased  thirst  and  frequent  attacks  of  sneezing.  In 
the  course  of  five  or  six  days  the  nasal  discharge  becomes  more 
profuse.  The  eyes  are  weaker  and  the  discharge  from  the  eyes 
is  much  increased.  Yery  often  the  eyelids  are  gummed  to- 
gether, and  the  animal  is  temporarily  blind.  A  husky  cough  is 
present,  at  first  dry  and  husky,  afterwards  moist.    The  pulse  may 

(512) 


CONTAGIOUS    DISEASES   OF   DOGS.  613 

run  from  120  to  160,  with  elevated  temperature.  Frequently 
an  opacity  spreads  OA'er  the  cornea,  quickly  succeeded  by  ulcera- 
tion. The  first  of  the  ulceration  is  generally  seen  in  the  center 
of  the  cornea,  and  is  circular.  The  ulcer  widens  and  deepens; 
sometimes  it  eats  through  the  cornea,  and  the  aqueous  humor 
escapes.  As  the  disease  advances,  the  dog  becomes  so  feeble  at 
the  end  of  a  week  that  it  can  scarcely  stand.  The  appetite  is  al- 
most entirely  lost.  Food  is  quickly  vomited  or  passes  through  the 
intestinal  canal  in  a  fetid,  ill-congested  condition.  At  the  end  of 
a  fortnight  the  symptoms  may  abate  in  intensity  and  the  dog 
slowly  regain  its  strength.  Sometimes  epileptic  fits  come  on, 
making  a  serious  complication.  If  a  second  fit  come  on  within  a 
day  or  two  the  dog  is  generally  lost.  These  fits  may  appear  with- 
out warning;  if  their  approach  be  carefully  watched,  they  may 
possibly  be  prevented.  The  champiug  of  the  lower  jaw  will  be 
seen  at  least  twelve  hours  before  the  first  fit. 

The  inflammation  extends  to  the  lungs  in  some  cases,  pro- 
ducing pneumonia.  If  the  ear  be  placed  to  the  chest,  the  crepi- 
tating sounds  of  pneumonia  will  be  detected.  Intestinal  compli- 
cations are  indicated  by  violent  vomiting  and  purging.  The 
fax-es  vary  from  white,  with  a  slight  tinge  of  gray,  to  a  dark  slate 
color.  By  degrees  mucus  begins  to  mingle  with  the  fsecal  dis- 
charge, and  then  streaks  of  blood.  The  case  when  in  this  condi- 
tion is  almost  hopeless.  Jaundice  is  a  frequent  complication. 
An  intense  yellowness  suddenly  appears  all  over  the  dog.  The 
result  of  this  complication  is  usually  unfavorable.  In  most  in- 
stances cutaneous  eruptions  are  seen  on  the  inner  surface  of  the 
thighs  and  other  parts  where  the  hair  is  thin  and  downy.  These 
eruptions  peel  off  in  large  scales,  causing  the  hair  to  be  filled 
vith  them. 

Treatment. — In  the  early  stages,  if  the  bowels  are  at  all  irreg- 
ular, a  small  dose  of  castor  oil  is  to  be  prescribed.  The  dose 
varies  from  a  teaspoonful  for  a  young  puppy  to  an  ounce  for  a 
well-grown  dog.  After  the  purgative  acts  I  have  received  the 
best  results  from  sal.  acetate  of  ammonia,  four  drachms;  nitrous 
33 


J 14  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

aether,  six  drachms;  water,  four  ounces.  Give  a  teaspoonfiil 
eveiw  three  hours.  The  animal  should  be  kept  warm  by  clothing' 
the  body.  Plenty  of  good,  fresh  water,  or  milk  and  water, 
should  be  given.  The  nose  and  eyes  should  be  repeatedly 
sponged,  and  the  food  restricted  to  a  milk  and  water  diet^  or  the 
various  liquid  foods  recommended  in  this  work  may  be  used. 
This  simi^le  treatment,  if  thoroughly  carried  out,  will  cure  most 
cases.  Prof.  AVilliams  recommends  the  use  of  six-grain  doses  of 
the  hyposulphite  of  soda,  with  one  drachm  of  sweet  spirits  of 
nitre.  When  there  is  excessive  purging,  it  should  be  arrested  by 
a  good  dose  of  epsom  salts,  to  carry  away  anything  that  may  act 
as  an  irritant;  after  it  has  acted,  a  scruple  of  powdered  chalk,  ten 
grains  of  catechu,  and  five  of  ginger,  with  a  quarter  of  a  grain  of 
opium,  made  into  a  ball  with  palm  oil,  may  be  given  to  a  middle- 
sized  dog»twice  or  thrice  every  day.  If  worms  are  present,  a 
scruple  to  one  drachm  of  areca  nut  should  be  given.  If  from 
teething,  the  gums  are  to  be  lanced.  If  vomiting  is  excited,  it 
should  be  allayed  by  giving  from  two  to  four  drops  Scheel's 
strength  of  hydrocyanic  acid.  If  jaundice  is  present,  the  bowels 
should  bo  opened  with  epsom  salts,  and  then  give  half-grain 
doses  of  calomel  twice  a  day.  When  fits  are  present,  and  the 
animal  is  strong,  a  grain  of  calomel  and  a  quarter  of  a  grain  of 
opium  should  be  given.  The  pulmonary  complications  are  best 
relieved  by  the  application  of  hot  flannels  to  the  sides.  If  chorea 
be  a  complication,  and  summer  is  approaching,  the  dog  may 
recover.  Nitrate  of  silver,  in  doses  of  one-eighth  of  a  grain, 
made  into  pills  with  linseed  meal,  and  increased  to  a  quarter  of  a 
grain,  should  be  given  morning  and  night.  Nourishment  must 
be  forced  upon  the  animal  if  it  will  not  take  it  spontaneously. 
The  milk  food  recommended  in  this  work  should  be  given.  As 
soon,  however,  as  spasms  spread  over  him,  accompanied  by  a 
singular  half  fetid  smell,  the  poor  creature  moaning  and  crying, 
humanity  demands  that  we  put  an  end  to  that  which  we  cannot 
cure. 


CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES   OF  DOGS.  515 


SMALL-POX. 


This  disease,  first  seen  in  1809,  receiving  its  name  at  the  Royal 
Veterinary'  School  at  Lyons,  is  propagated  from  dog  to  dog  by 
contagion.    It  is  not  difficult  to  cure. 

Symptoms. — There  is  an  imnatural  red  color  of  the  skin  in  the 
region  of  the  belly,  groin,  £ind  inside  the  fore  arm.  These  parts 
are  sprinkled  with  little  red  spots,  irregularly  rounded,  which 
gradually  grow  larger  for  sevei'al  days,  becoming  veiy  prominent 
at  their  centers.  About  the  fifth  day  the  redness  of  the  centers 
begins  to  assume  a  grayish,  color.  On  the  summit  is  a  white  cir- 
cular point,  containing  a  quantity  of  nearly  transparent  fluid, 
covered  by  a  tiiin  and  transparent  pellicle.  This  fluid  gradually 
changes  to  pus,  ultimately  of  purulent  character.  The  pustule 
becomes  flattened,  and  desiccation  and  desquamation  takes  place 
about  the  tenth  day. 

The  near  approach  of  the  eruption  is  announced  by  an  increase 
of  fever.  After  desiccation  the  skin  remains  covered  with  brown 
spots,  which  by  degrees  disappear,  sometimes  leaving  little  spots 
on  which  the  hair  does  not  grow.  A  moderate  temperature  is  the 
most  favorable  to  recovery.  Exposure  to  cold  is  generally  fatal. 
The  dog  suffering  from  small-pox  has  a  very  offensive  breath, 
and  the  faeces  are  also  very  fetid.  In  some  instances  pneumonia 
occurs  as  a  most  serious  complication. 

Tkeatment. — Give  a  dose  of  castor  oil  and  follow  with  sal. 
acetate  of  ammonia,  drachms  four;  nitrous  aether,  drachms  six; 
water,  q.  s.  four  ounces.  Give  a  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four 
hours.    This  is  generally  all  that  is  required. 

EABIES. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  important  subjects  in  veterinary 
pathology,  and  one  in  which  every  practitioner  of  human  medi- 
cine should  be  thoroughly  interested.  The  disease  has  its  origin 
in  the  canine.  The  specific  vims  is  conveyed  in  the  saliva  of  the 
affected  dog  through  wounds  to  other  animals  and  to  man.    Opin- 


516  THE    STOCK    OW-NEk's    ADVISER. 

ions  are  divided  on  the  spontaneous  origin  of  rabies.  I  do  not 
believe  that  the  disease  has  ever  originated  spontaneously,  but 
that  it  originates  only  by  innociilation.  Rabies  once  generated 
in  a  dog  is  transmissable  by  innoculation  to  every  warm-blooded 
animal.  The  disease  may  occur  at  any  month  in  the  year,  and 
in  the  female  as  well  as  in  the  male.  The  virus,  when  intro- 
duced into  the  system,  generally  lies  dormant  for  a  very  indefi- 
nite period,  the  shortest  period  in  the  dog  being  about  seven  days, 
and  the  longest  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  days.  The  period  in 
the  majority  of  cases,  however,  runs  from  seven  to  thirtv-five 
days. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  rabies  are  essentially  the  same 
in  all  warai-blooded  creatures.  The  dog  becomes  restless  and 
continually  shifts  his  posture,  searching  new  resting  places,  but 
very  soon  changing  them,  lie  lies  in  dark  corners,  shuns  the 
light,  and  gazes  strangely  about  him,  with  countenance  clouded 
and  suspicious.  He  becomes  more  fidgety,  lying  down  and  jump- 
ing up  again  in  an  excited,  unnatural  manner.  At  this  stage  he 
shows  no  disposition  to  bite,  and  answers  the  call  upon  him  lag- 
gardly.  A  peculiar  delirium  is  an  early  symptom,  and  one  that 
never  deceives.  There  is  a  desire  to  lick  anything  cold,  to  rest 
the  nose  on  a  cold  object,  and  to  pick  up  bits  of  wood  and  straw. 
The  movements  of  the  animal  now  become  unsteady,  lie  will 
stare  at  an  imaginary  object,  then  rush  forward  and  bite  at  any- 
thing in  his  way.  He  may  start  up  after  a  few  moments  of 
quietude,  with  unmingled  ferocity  depicted  on  his  countenance, 
and  plunge  with  a  savage  howl  to  the  end  of  his  chain.  He  may 
stop  and  watch  the  nails  in  the  partition,  and  fancy  them  to  be 
moving,  he  will  start  at  them.  The  symptoms  becoming  still 
more  severe,  the  desire  to  bite  is  greatly  increased;  the  pupils  are 
dilated,  the  conjunctiva  is  red  and  injected;  the  eyes  alternately 
wide  open  with  fury,  and  then  closed  in  a  dull,  but  fierce  manner. 
The  forehead  becomes  wrinkled,  and  the  animal  has  a  terrifying 
and  repulsive  look.  The  presence  of  any  living  or  shining  object 
will  bring  on  a  paroxysm  of  rage  and  excitement.     Between  the 


CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES   OF   DOGS.  517 

periods  of  excitement  there  is  great  prostration,  the  exhausted 
animal  lying  down  in  the  quietest  spot  it  can  find,  insensible  to 
all  surrounding  objects,  until,  all  at  once,  he  springs  up  greatly 
agitated. 

The  bark  of  a  rabid  dog  is  husky,  spasmodic,  and  more  in  the 
natui'e  of  a  howl.  The  jaw  drops,  exposing  the  tongue,  which  is 
dry,  and  the  bronchial  membrane  is  of  a  brownish  hue.  If  the 
dog  be  spoken  to  by  his  master  he  will  be  recalled  from  watching 
the  motes  flying  in  the  air  or  the  insects  on  the  wall.  Dispersed 
by  the  magic  influence  of  his  master's  voice,  every  object  of  terror 
disai)pears,  and  he  crawls  toward  him  with  the  old  expression  of 
attachment.  A  moment  of  quietude  comes,  the  eyes  slowly  close, 
the  head  drops,  and  the  fore  feet  seem  to  be  giving  away,  as  if 
he  would  fall;  l)ut  with  renewed  paroxysm  he  springs  up  again, 
gazes  wildly  around,  barks,  snaps,  and  rushes  to  the  extent  of  his 
chain.  The  dog  loses  the  power  of  swallowing,  owing  to  the 
spasmodic  contraction  of  the  throat.  The  animal  does  not  dread 
water,  but,  on  the  othca-  hand,  will  plunge  its  muzzle  deeply  in, 
and  make  eftort  to  drink.  A  mad  dog,  when  loose,  will  travel  a 
great  distance  in  a  short  time,  finally  endeavoring  to  return 
home,  generally  rushing  at  everything  in  its  way,  but  preferring 
to  attack  other  creatures  than  man.  There  is,  in  the  first  stages, 
a  flow  of  saliva  from  the  mouth.  The  urine  is  high  colored,  the 
bowels  are  constipated,  tlie  jmlse  accelerated,  the  gait  is  un- 
steady, the  tail  drops,  the  head  is  depressed,  the  nose  protruded, 
and  the  scent,  sight,  and  hearing  are  much  impaired.  The  dog 
frequently  vomits,  and  ultimately  dies  from  coma,  exhaustion, 
and  suffocaticin.  Tlic  i'nl)i(l  (]nix,  when  loose,  travels  with  his  tail 
depressed,  and  seemingly  half  unconscious  of  surrounding  ob- 
jects, llis  open  mouth,  ])rntruded  and  black  tongue,  and  rolling- 
gait  suflicicntly  cluiracteri/e  his  condition.  Tn  the  very  earliest 
period  of  rabies,  a  person  accustomed  to  dogs  will  detect  the 
existence  of  the  disease.  The  animal  runs  as  if  in  pursuit  of 
imaginary  ol>jects.  The  countenance  changes,  with  alternating 
brightness,  and  he  wags  his  tail  as  though  some  pleasing  vision 


518  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

passed  before  him;  then  his  coimtenance  indicates  the  dislike  and 
fear  with  which  the  intruder  is  regarded.  When  the  vision  seems 
within  proper  distance,  he  darts  on  it  with  violence.  The  ab- 
sence of  pain,  for  the  most  part,  is  an  almost  invariable  accom- 
paniment of  rabies,  thongh  dogs  will  sometimes  gnaw  and  tear 
the  flesh  from  their  limbs.  The  appearance  of  the  eye  is  an  im- 
portant symptom.  There  is  at  first  singular  l)rightness,  but  later 
it  becomes  dull  and  wasted.  In  about  forty  hours  from  the  first 
clouding  of  the  eye  it  becomes  a  disorganized  mass.  The  bark 
of  the  mad  dog  is  perfectly  characteristic.  There  is  no  other 
sound  that  it  resembles.  The  muzzle  is  elevated,  and  the  com- 
mencement is  that  of  a  perfect  bark,  ending  in  a  howl,  with  a 
rising  inflection  an  eighth  higher  than  at  the  commencement. 

Hydrophobia  in  man  is  characteriezd  by  symptoms  similar  to 
those  of  the  dog,  except  perhaps  that  there  are  symptoms  of 
intense  pain  in  the  seat  of  the  wound  in  man.  The  man  will 
have  frightful  dreams,  with  a  peculiar  delirium.  The  image  of 
the  dog  that  attacked  him  is  always  before  him.  Some  complain 
of  smothering,  and  pant  violently,  as  if  an  enormous  weight  op- 
pressed the  chest.  The  power  of  swallowing  is  lost  almost  en- 
tirely in  the  human  being.  The  expression  of  the  countenance 
and  eye  is  similar  to  that  of  the  dog.  Convulsions  come  on,  and 
the  sufferer  will  spring  from  his  seat,  uttering  the  most  fearful 
howling  and  tearing  everything  around  him;  then  becoming  ra- 
tional, he  regains  his  reasoning  powers  and  talks  intelligently. 

The  same  delirium  seen  in  the  dog  occurs  in  the  human  pa- 
tient, and  is  described  by  Dr.  Eardsley  as  follows:  "I  observed 
that  he  frequently  fixed  his  eyes  with  horror  and  affright  on 
some  ideal  object,  and  then  with  a  sudden  and  violent  emotion 
buried  his  head  beneatli^,  the  bed  clothes.  The  next  time  I  saw 
him  repeat  this  action ,JLAvas  induced  to  inquire  into  the  cause  of 
his  terror.  lie  asked  whether  I  had  not  heard  bowlings  and 
scratchings.  On  being  answered  in  the  negative,  he  suddenly 
threw  himself  on  his  knees,  extending  his  arms  in  a  defensive 
posture,  and  forcibly  threw  back  his  head  and  body.    The  muscles 


CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES   OF   DOGS.  519 

of  the  face  were  agitated  by  various  spasmodic  contractions;  his 
eyeballs  glazed  and  seemed  ready  to  start  from  their  sockets,  and 
at  the  moment,  when  crying  out  in  agonizing  tone,  'Do  you  not 
see  that  black  dog?'  his  countenance  and  attitude  exhibited  the 
most  dreadful  picture  of  complicated  horror,  distress,  and  rage 
that  words  could  describe  or  imagination  paint." 

Hydrophobia  in  the  horse  is  similar  to  that  of  the  dog,  with 
the  exception  that  the  remissions  and  paroxysms  are  less  apparent 
in  the  horse.  The  dog  seems,  for  a  time,  to  be  almost  freed  from 
the  disease,  but  in  the  horse  the  absence  of  anxiety,  restlessness, 
and  exhaustion  is  of  much  shorter  duration,  and  the  fits  of  vio- 
lence more  violent  and  prolonged,  killing  the  animal  on  the 
second  or  third  day.  The  sexual  desire  is  increased  in  the  mare 
and  horse  during  the  course  of  the  disease. 

The  symptoms  of  ral)ies  in  the  cow,  sheep,  pig,  goat,  rabbit, 
^and  cat  are  very  similar  to  those  in  the  dog.  In  the  cow  there  is 
paralysis  of  the  hind  extremities,  before  death,  as  in  the  horse. 

Post-mortem  appearances  of  a  dog  affected  vvuth  raViies  show 
a  paralysis  of  the  lower  jaw,  a  discoloration  and  swollen  condi- 
tion of  the  tongue,  which  hangs  from  the  mouth,  with  super- 
fluous blood  in  the  outer  inferior  part.  The  color  varies  from  a 
dark  red  to  a  dingy  purple,  or  almost  black.  The  fauces  situated 
at  the  posterior  part  of  the  mouth  generally  exhibit  traces  of 
inflammation.  A  strange  post-mortem  exhibit  is  the  presence  of 
indigestible  matter,  probably  small  in  quantity,  in  the  back  part 
of  the  mouth.  This  indicates  the  depraved  appetite  and  loss  of 
power  in  the  muscles  of  the  pharynx.  The  epiglottis  is  more  or 
less  injected  in  every  case  of  rabies.  The  edges  of  the  glottis 
show  inflammation.  The  stomach  and  its  organs  may  contain  a 
strange  mass  of  hair,  hay,  straw,  earth,  horse  fn?ccSj  etc.  There 
is  a  peculiar  inflammation  of  the  stomach.  It  is  more  intense  on 
the  summits  or  folds  of  the  stomach.  Well-marked  extravasation 
of  blood  or  diffused  inflammation  is  seen  throughout  the  stomach 
and  bowels.  The  liver,  spleen,  kidney,  and  muscular  system  are 
congested.    No  conclusions  can  be  drawn  from  the  lesions  of  the 


520  THE    STOCK    OWXEr's    ADVISER. 

brain,  the  principal  post-mortem  appearances  being  adema  or 
congestion,  sometimes  in  patclies,  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

Peevektive  Treatmea't. — This  shonld  not  be  resorted  to  in 
the  dog.  The  bitten  animal  shonld  be  destroyed  at  once.  All 
dogs  inocnlated  with  rabies  poison  do  not  become  mad,  bnt  the 
risk  is  so  great,  and  the  mischief  thev  may  inflict  of  so  grave  im- 
portance, that  no  chances  should  be  taken. 

If  a  person  has  been  bitten,  a  complete  excision  of  the  bitten 
surface  should  be  made  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  injury.  The 
knife  should  not  come  in  contact  with,  but  should  be  carefully 
passed  beneath,  the  bitten  surface.  After  excision  is  completed, 
the  parts  should  be  burned  with  a  pencil  of  nitrate  of  silver,  ap- 
plied to  every  recess  and  sinuosity  of  the  wound.  AVhere  this 
treatment  is  carried  out  in  man,  seven  out  of  ten  escape,  while  if 
no  such  means  are  used  eight  out  of  the  ten  die. 

Pasteur  has  given  to  the  world  a  method  by  which  those  bitten 
can  be  rendered  insusceptible  before  the  mortal  malady  has  had. 
time  to  declare  itself.  Those  bitten  should,  if  possible,  be  sent  to 
his  institution  for  treatment. 


LIV. 
ENZOOTIC  AND  EPIZOOTIC  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN— MANGE. 

Dog  mange  is  due  to  an  insect,  the  sarcoptes  canis.  The  disease 
is  transferable  to  man.  I  have  seen  cases  of  a  niangy  dog  almost 
covered  with  eruptions. 

Symptoms. — There  is  an  itching,  with  fonnation  of  red  points 
like  flea  bites,  vesicles,  pustules,  and  scabs.  The  red  points  may 
be  plainly  seen  on  the  inside  of  the  thighs  and  under  the  abdo- 
men. 

Follicular  scabies  is  a  frequent  form  of  mange,  due  to  the 
presence  of  the  ascarus  demodox  folliculorium. 

The  symptoms  of  the  disease  are  the  formation  of  small  pimples 
and  circumscribed  spots,  from  which  the  hair  falls  out;  scabs  form 
from  the  discharge  of  the  contents  of  the  pustules,  with  cracking 
and  bleeding  of  the  surface.  A  positive  diagnosis  of  the  parasite 
can  only  be  made  by  the  aid  of  the  microscope.  The  disease  is  not 
so  contagious  as  scabies.  Its  duration  may  be  a  year,  and  even 
longer. 

Treatment. — Creosote,  four  drachms;  olive  oil,  seven  ounces; 
sol.  potassium,  one  ounce.  The  affected  parts  should  be  dressed 
with  this  about  twice  a  week.  Where  the  whole  body  is  affected 
the  animal  should  be  clipped.  Before  making  the  application, 
wash  the  dog  thoroughly  with  soft  soap. 

ECZEMA  RUBRUM. 

This  is  an  eczematous  affection  occurring  among  sporting  dogs. 
It  is  caused  by  im})roper  diet  and  liy  lunning  through  long  grass 
when  it  is  wet. 

(521) 


522  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Sympioms. — There  is  redness  of  the  skin  along  the  back,  breast, 
and  belly.  The  parts  are  hotter  than  natural  and  irritable. 
There  may  be  falling  off  of  the  hair  in  patches,  and  slight  consti- 
tutional disturbance,  as  fever,  loss  of  appetite,  etc. 

Treatment. — Externally,  lead  acetate,  ounce  one;  zinc  sul- 
phate, drachms  six;  water,  one  quart,  should  be  used  as  a  wash. 
The  patient  should  receive  a  drachm  of  jalap  to  open  the  bowels, 
and  the  food  should  be  milk  and  porridge  or  other  liquid  foods. 
Xo  m'eats  should  be  given.  The  following  is  a  safe  and  very 
effectual  remedy:  Sulphur,  one  drachm;  potassium  carbonate, 
one  drachm;  lard,  one  ounce. 


LY. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

EPILEPSY. 

This  frequently  occurs  in  clogs  as  the  result  of  intestinal  de- 
rangement, as  worms.  It  is  frequently  a  result  of  distemper,  and 
follows  teething  in  the  puppy. 

Symptoms. — The  patient  falls  to  the  ground,  froths  at  the 
mouth,  etc.  The  attack  lasts  three  or  four  minutes,  followed  by 
dullness,  from  which  the  dog  soon  recovers. 

Teeatmeat. — See  that  the  patient  gets  plenty  of  air.  A  piece 
of  wood  should  be  inserted  between  the  teeth  to  prevent  biting 
the  tongue.  Calomel,  one  grain;  tartar  emetic,  one  grain,  made 
into  a  pill  should  be  given.  Potassium  bromide,  in  twenty-grain 
doses,  should  be  given  every  two  hours  until  the  fits  cease.  Fits 
may  be  warded  off  by  seizing  the  dog  by  the  nape  of  the  neck 
and  dashing  cold  water  in  his  face. 

CHOREA. 

This  ie  an  in^egular  distribution  of  nerve  power,  characterized 
by  convulsive,  involuntary,  twitching  of  some  muscle  or  set  of 
miiscles.  It  sometimes  follows  distemper,  and  may  affect  one  or 
two  limbs.     It  sometimes  pervades  the  whole  system. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  spasmodic,  jerking  action  in  one  leg 
or  shoulder,  seen  particularly  when  the  dog  is  lying  down.  When 
standing,  there  is  a  sinking  of  the  head  and  neck.  It  sometimes 
affects  principally  the  muscles  of  the  neck  and  face.  If  a  ease  of 
chorea  be  neglected,  this  spasmodic  action  of  the  muscles  spreads 
over  the  body,  and  the  dog  lies  extended  with  ever>'  limb  in  con- 
stant and  spasmodic  action. 

Chorea  is  oftenest  seen  in  young  animals,  and  is  a  result  of 

( 523 ) 


524  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

distemper,  bad  feeding,  cold  and  damp  housing,  debility,  worms, 
and  chronic  affections. 

Treatment. — The  bowels  shonld  be  kept  in  good  condition 
by  giving  oil.  Iron  and  gentian  are  serviceable  as  tonics,  five 
or  ten  grains  of  each.  Silver  nitrate  is  highly  recommended, 
combined  with  ginger,  in  doses  varying  from  one-sixth  to  one- 
third  of  a  grain,  according  to  the  size  of  the  dog.  If  the  dog  is 
in  fair  condition,  and  the  season  favorable,  a  cnre  may  be  made. 
If  there  is  general  debility  and  loss  of  flesh,  a  cure  cannot  be 
effected. 

RHEUMATISM. 

Tihenmatism  occurs  in  the  dog  in  the  acute  and  chronic  forms. 
The  attack  comes  on  rather  suddenly,  the  joints  swell,  the  pulse 
becomes  full  and  tense,  the  eyes  blood-shot,  the  stomach  de- 
ranged, and  the  bowels  costive.  Severe  pains  run  through  the 
articulation,  the  tongue  is  coated,  the  muzzle  hot  and  dry,  and 
the  poor  animal  howls  with  agony.  The  causes  are  numerous — 
exposure  to  bad  weather,  remaining  idle  and  wet  after  coming 
from  the  water,  damp  kennel,  luxurious  living,  etc. 

Chronic  rheumatism  is  known  as  gout.  There  is  pain  in  the 
parts,  the  muscles  are  tender  and  the  joints  stiff,  with  but  little 
inflammation.     The  p'ain  seems  to  be  removed  by  exercise. 

TrexVtmext. — Give  extract  of  colocynth,  one  scruple;  calo- 
mel, ten  grains,  powdered  gamboge,  two  grains;  aloes,  ten  grains. 
Make  into  four  pills,  and  give  two  at  night  and  two  in  the  morn- 
ing. The  dog  should  be  wrapped  in  blankets,  and  a  warm  bath 
may  be  used.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  in  proper  condition  by 
giving  purgatives.  Plasters  may  be  applied  to  the  spine.  The 
treatment  of  chronic  rheumatism  is  similar  to  the  treatment  of 
the  acute  form;  consists  of  warm  baths,,  warm  housing,  a  strict 
attention  to  diet,  and  keeping  the  bowels  in  proper  condition. 
Stimulants  may  be  applied  to  the  parts.  The  spirits  of  camphor 
is  excellent  for  this. 


DISEASES    OF    THE    ^ERVOUS    SYSTEM.  525 


PALSY. 

This  is  characterized  by  partial  or  comjilete  loss  of  motion  or 
sensation  in  some  part  of  the  mnscnhir  system,  and  is  common 
in  the  canine  race.  The  k-ins  and  hind  limbs  suffer  more  fre- 
(piently  than  other  parts. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  may  eat  well  and  seem  cheerfnl,  but 
his  belly  is  tucked  up,  and  there  are  two  longitudinal  cords 
parallel  to  each  other,  which  will  scarcely  yield  to  pressure. 
Castor  oil  will  remove  the  trouble,  and  should  be  given  freely 
until  the  proper  effect  is  produced. 


LVI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 

ENTERITIS. 

'No  animal  suffers  so  frequently  with  inflammation  of  the 
bowels  as  does  the  dog.  His  intestines  are  peculiarly  irritable 
and  subject  to  inflammation.  A  cold  temperature  is  a  common 
cause  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — A  great  thirst,  blood-shot  eyes,  a  tender  and 
corded  belly;  his  cries  are  frequent  and  piteous;  he  avoids  food, 
and  looks  around  at  his  flanks  with  lingering  gaze,  accompanied 
by  a  cry  or  groan.  .  Its  prevailing  cause  is  exposure  to  cold,  espe- 
cially after  fatigue,  or  lying  on  wet  stones  or  grass. 

Treatment. — Place  the  patient  in  a  warm  bath.  The  abdo- 
men should  be  rubbed  while  in  the  bath.  Emetics  should  be 
given,  but  not  too  frequently.  An  ounce  of  castor  oil  should  be 
given.  The  spirits  of  white  poppies  is  highly  recommended  in 
this  disease.  The  pulverized  or  tincture  of  opium  is  also  useful, 
given  in  doses  of  eight  grains  of  the  powder  or  ten  to  fifteen 
drops  of  the  tincture  every  four  hours. 

PERITONITIS. 

An  inflammation  of  the  peritoneal  membrane  frequently  oc- 
curs in  the  dog,  characterized  by  loss  of  appetite;  the  belly  is 
tucked  up,  hard,  and  contracted,  and  there  is  a  frequent  pulse. 
The  dog  may  whine  and  try  to  hide  himself. 

Treatment. — Castor  oil  should  be  given.  Tincture  of  opium 
may  be  given  in  ten  to  fifteen  drop  doses,  according  to  the  size 
and  age  of  the  animal.     It  may  be  given  every  four  hours. 

(526) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS.  527 

coirc. 

The  dog  is  subject  to  fits  of  colic,  caused  by  sudden  changes  of 
food,  improper  food,  and  exposure  to  cold. 

Symptoms. — The  dog  labors  under  fits  of  pain.  He  may  lie  in 
a  corner  quietly  for  a  minute,  but  when  the  pain  comes  on  he 
utters  a  yelp  and  seeks  a  new  place.  This  is  continued,  and  the 
animal  shows  intense  suffering. 

Treatment. — Castor  oil  is  the  favorite  purgative  in  this  affec- 
tion, and  should  be  used  in  all  bowel  troubles.  Tincture  of 
opium,  ten  or  fifteen  drops;  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  one  drachm, 
may  be  given  every  three  hours  to  relieve  pain.  Enemas  should 
be  administered  and  the  abdomen  fomented  with  warm  water. 
Flannels  wrung  out  of  warm  water  may  be  applied,  to  the  abdo- 
men. 

DIAERHOEA. 

This  is  a  discharge  of  an  undue  amount  of  liquid  faeces.  It  is 
caused  by  improper  feeding,  or  overfeeding.  This  condition 
should  not  be  checked  too  soon,  but  if  it  continues  and  the  ani- 
mal is  becoming  weak,  it  must  be  stopped.  Give  a  tablespoonful 
to  an  ounce  of  castor  oil  to  remove  the  irritant.  Give  milk  that 
has  been  boiled  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes.  Fifteen  drops  of  the 
tincture  of  opium  may  be  used. 

DYSENTERY. 

The  dog  sometimes  suffers  with  dysentery,  which  is  a  serious 
complaint.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mucous  membrane  of 
the  intestines.  The  symptoms  are  a  discharge  per  anus  of  mucus 
and  blood.  A  very  small  amount  of  faeces  is  evacuated  at  a  time, 
and  there  is  great  straining. 

Treatment. — Enemas  containing  tincture  of  opium  may  be 
administered.  A  small  dose  of  castor  oil  should  be  administered. 
Tincture  of  opium  and  sweet  spirits  of  nitre  may  be  used,  in  doses 
of  ten  drops  of  opium  to  a  half  drachm  of  nitre. 


528  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

COSTIVENESS. 

This  frequently  is  caused  by  the  quality  of  food,  such  as  feed- 
ing too  greatly  on  bones.  It  occurs  as  a  symptom  of  indigestion. 
A  dog  should  never  be  allowed  to  remain  costive  more  than  two 
days. 

Treatment. — A  drachm  of  jalap  or  of  aloes  should  be  admin- 
istered. After  the  bowels  have  moved,  it  is  well  to  follow  with  a 
dose  of  oil.  Clysters  should  be  freely  given.  The  dog  may  be 
put  on  a  course  of  boiled  liver  and  exercised  every  day. 

CALCULUS  IN  THE  INTESTINES. 

Calculi  arc  formed  in  all  the  lower  animals.  Calculi  in  the 
dog  cannot  be  diagnosed.  A  true  nature  of  the  case  can  only  be 
learned  by  post-mortem.  The  calculus  may  sometimes  be  dis- 
covered, however,  by  pressing  on  both  sides  of  the  abdomen.  If 
discovered  its  removal  may  easily  be  accomplished. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION. 

By  this  is  meant  the  slipping  of  one  portion  of  a  bowel  within 
another.  This  disease  cannot  be  diagnosed  in  the  dog,  but  we 
find  it  in  post-mortem.  It  cannot  be  distinguished  from  acute 
inflammation  of  the  bowels. 

DROPSY. 

Dropsy  of  the  abdomen  frequently  occurs  in  the  dog,  caused 
by  an  accumulation  of  fluid  within  the  abdomen,  generally  as  a 
consequence  of  some  other  disease,  or  it  may  be  caused  by  a 
diminished  absorption.  It  is  most  frequently  caused  in  the  dog 
by  disease  of  the  liver,  induced  l)v  overfeeding  and  want  of 
exercise. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  cause,  by  proper  food,  and  restore 
Ileal  til  by  exercise.  AVhen  it  is  due  to  organic  disease  of  the 
liver,  heart,  and  other  organs  a  cure  cannot  be  effected.     Purga- 


DISEASES   OF  THE  DIGESTIVE   ORGANS.  529 

tives  should  be  given  occasionally;  and  powd.  gentian,  two  grains; 
iron  snlphate,  two  grains,  in  pill  twice  a  day,  slioidd  be  used  to 
improve  the  general  condition. 

The  operation  of  paracentesis  abdominus,  or  tapping,  gives 
temporary  but  seldom  permanent  relief.  Great  benefit  has  been 
received  from  the  use  of  iodine.  The  dog  should  receive  a  grain 
of  iodine  at  a  dose,  and  gradually  increase  to  two  grains  three 
times  a  day. 


LVII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVEr} 

The  liver  Las  an  important  function — namely,  to  receive  the 
blood  returned  from  the  intestines  and  to  secrete  the  bile,  and 
then  to  transmit  the  remaining  portion  to  the  kings,  where  it 
undergoes  th§  usual  process  of  purification,  and  is  changed  to 
arterial  blood. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

The  animal  becomes  dull;  the  shin  and  urine  are  tinged  with 
a  yellow  effusion,  which  hue  increases  day  after  day,  as  seen 
more  particularly  on  the  cuticle,  the  conjunctiva,  the  iris,  and 
groins.  The  animal  is  fevered,  with  pulse  from  80  to  120;  the 
tongue  hangs  from  the  mouth,  the  appetite  is  gone,  and  there  is 
intense  thirst.  The  dog  becomes  very  restless  and  hides  him- 
self; if  the  liver  is  pressed  upon  he  will  groan.  The  dog  will  lie 
stretched  out  on  his  belly,  his  legs  extended  in  front  and  behind 
him.  The  yellow  color  increases  with  the  fever,  and  he  vomits 
a  yellowish  green  substance  mixed  with  blood.  He  passes  blood 
by  the  anus,  and  soon  dies.  The  duration  of  the  disease  is  about 
ten  to  twelve  days.  If  taken  early  and  properly  treated,  it  can 
generally  be  cured,  but  if  it  is  of  some  days  standing,  and  has 
taken  on  a  typhoid  character,  or  if  inflammation  of  the  stomach 
has  taken  place,  with  vomiting  of  blood  and  fits,  it  cannot  be 
cured. 

Treatment. — If  in  the  first  stages,  epsom  salts,  two  to  four 
drachms,  should  be  given.  Later  calomel,  tartar  emetic,  cam- 
phor, and  opium,  of  each  a  half  grain  made  into  a  -plU,  may  be 

given.    A  liniment  should  be  applied  over  the  region  of  the  liver. 

(  530) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVEE. 


JAUNDICE. 


531 


The  symptoms  of  jaundice  in  the  dog  are  a  yellow  discolora- 
tion of  the  skin  and  mucous  membrane.  The  causes  of  jaundice 
are  chiefly  over-fatigue,  immersion  in  water,  swallowing  great 
quantities  of  indigestible  food,  and  cold  after  long-continued 
exercise. 

Treatment. — If  constipation  is  present,  an  ounce  of  manna 
dissolved  in  water  should  be  given,  and  the  dog  afterwards 
drenched  with  linseed  oil.  If  watery  diarrhoea  should  supervene, 
and  the  belly  is  not  hot  and  tender,  a  drachm  of  sulphate  of 
magnesia  should  be  administered,  and  repeated  if  necessary. 
When  the  liquid  excrement  contains  much  blood,  of  a  deep  color, 
all  medicines  by  the  mouth  should  be  substituted  by  frequent 
injections,  consisting  of  starch  and  a  few  drops  of  laudanum. 
Great  care  should  be  taken  in  regard  to  the  food.  The  liquid 
foods  recommended  in  this  work  should  be  given  and  the  animal 
gradually  brought  back  to  solid  foods.  He  should  be  guarded 
from  taking  cold. 


LYIII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  KIDNEYS  AND  BLADDER. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

This  seldom  occurs,  fortunately  for  tlie  dog,  for  it  is  a  dan- 
gerous makdy.  The  immediate  causes  are  blows  and  wounds  in 
the  lumbar  region,  long  and  continued  exercise,  improper  food, 
long-continued  use  of  stimulants,  and  the  pressure  of  calculi. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  moves  stiffly.  If  the  parts  are  ma- 
nipulated over  the  region  of  the  kidney,  the  animal  evinces  pain, 
the  pulse  is  quickened,  and  the  temperature  elevated.  The  ani- 
mal will  frequently  turn  his  head  to  the  seat  of  pain.  The 
bowels  are  frequently  constipated,  the  belly  tucked  up,  and  the 
animal  walks  about  as  though  under  the  influence  of  opium. 
Ura?mic  poison  may  set  in,  causing  the  animal  to  act  as  though 
intoxicated,  and  a  strong  uriniferous  odor  is  given  out  in  the  per- 
spiration. This  condition  is  serious,  and  unless  relief  be  quickly 
afforded  the  animal  dies. 

Treatment. — The  kidneys  must  be  relieved  of  work  and  kept 
quiet.  A  good  oleaginous  purgative  should  be  given.  Aconite 
in  one-drop  doses  may  be  given,  and  carbonate  of  soda  may  be 
administered  occasionally. 

CALCULUS. 

Calculus  is  sometimes  met  with  in  the  dog,  more  frequently 
than  in  the  horse. 

Symptoms. — The  urine  is  voided  with  difficulty.  The  animal 
walks  slowly  and  in  evident  pain.  He  will  make  frequent  at- 
tempts to  urinate,  which  will  come  from  him  drop  by  drop.  The 
dog  may  roll  and  whine  or  howl. 

( 532 ) 


DISEASES   OF   THE   KIDNEYS   AXD   BLADDER.  53'^^ 

Tkeatmext. — To  remove  the  stones  requires  tlie  operation  of 
lithotomy.  To  perform  this  operation,  the  catheter  should  he 
passed  np  the  penis  to  the  cxtrcniity  of  the  angle  where  the 
penis  makes  an  acute  angle  forward;  the  point  of  the  instrument 
must  then  be  cut  down  upon,  and  from  this  opening  the  instru- 
ment may  be  readily  passed  forward  into  the  bladder.  The  sound 
being  introduced,  pass  a  small  bistoury  along  its  groove  into  the 
bladder  to  effect  an  opening  sufficient  to  admit  the  introduction 
of  a  small  pair  of  forceps,  by  which  the  stone  may  be  removed. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  trend)ling  of  the  hind  limbs,  with  fre- 
quent attempts  to  urinate.  Small  quantities  are  voided  and 
passed  in  jets,  containing  some  sediment  that  may  be  bloody. 
Colicky  pains  may  be  present,  as  the  animal  looks  at  his  flanks, 
and  there  is  an  increased  thirst. 

An  oleaginous  purgative  should  be  given.  If  the  patient  be 
female,  tepid  water  and  tincture  of  opium  may  be  injected  into 
the  bladder.  Enemas  should  be  freely  administered,  and  the 
animal  should  be  kept  well  clothed. 


LIX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

PNEUMONIA. 

The  symptoms  of  pneumonia  are  marked  by  protrusion  of  the 
head  and  tongue,  the  eyes  are  blood-shot,  the  breathing  quick- 
ened, and  the  pulse  is  wiry  and  small.  The  dog  sits  up  per- 
sistently, until,  through  extreme  fatigue,  his  eyes  close,  his  head 
drops,  and  his  feet  slip  from  under  him.  He  may  lie  for  a  few 
moments,  but  will  quickly  rise  again.  Auscultation  and  percus- 
sion offer  better  aids  of  diagnosis  in  the  dog  than  in  the  horse, 
and  especially  the  stethoscope  can  be  used  more  satisfactorily, 
owing  to  the  softer  hair  of  the  dog. 

Tkeatment. — Sal.  acetate  of  ammonia,  drachms  four;  nitrous 
sether,  drachms  six;  syrup  of  lemon,  drachms  two;  water,  q.  s. 
four  ounces,  a  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours,  should  be 
used.  Mustard  applications  should  be  made  to  the  sides,  and  hot 
poultices  used  alternately  with  the  mustard.  The  food  should  be 
of  liquids.   If  this  treatment  is  carried  out  the  disease  yields  easily. 

Congestion  of  the  lungs  is  a  frequent  termination  of  pneumo- 
nia. It  generally  proves  fatal  to  the  dog.  The  treatment  should 
be  similar  to  pneumonia.  During  convalescence  the  following 
should  be  used:  Two-iifths  grain  of  strichnia,  two  ounces  each 
of  the  essence  of  pepsin  and  pancreatin;  a  teaspoonful  iifter 
meals. 

PLEURISY. 

Inflammation  of  the  pleura  in  the  dog,  sometimes  met  with, 
may  be  easily  diagnosed.  The  cough  of  pleurisy  is  well  marked 
in  the  dog.  It  is  painful  and  suppressed.  There  is  tenderness  of 
the  ?ides,  and  the  dog  sits  as  in  pneumonia.  Auscultation  reveals 
the  true  condition. 

(534) 


DISEASES  OF  THE   RESPIRATORY  ORGANS.  635 

Treatment. — Give  nitrous  tether,  drachm  one-half  to  one 
drachin,  according  to  size,  every  four  hours,  and  stimulants 
should  be  applied  to  the  sides. 

SPASMODIC  COUGH. 

This  is  best  treated  by  giving  calomel,  one  grain;  tartar  emetic, 
one  grain.  In  some  cases  a  stimulating  liniment  must  be  applied 
to  the  throat,  as  spirits  of  camphor. 


LX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

OPHTHALMIA— INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYE. 

The  disease  yields  readily  to  treatment  in  the  mild  form. 
When  it  occurs  as  an  epizootic  in  kennels  it  proves  more  stub- 
born. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  redness  of  the  conjunctiva,  tenderness 
to  light,  and  a  secretion  of  tears.  The  eyeball  is  retracted  in  the 
socket.  There  is  an  extravasation  of  blood  within  the  conjunc- 
tiva, which  may  increase  as  the  disease  advances.  The  cornea 
becomes  opaque.  If  the  disease  is  not  arrested,  ulceration  may 
take  place  and  the  sight  be  destroyed  by  the  bursting  and  dis- 
charge of  its  contents. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  in  various  ways,  as  by  injuries  to  the 
eye,  bad  feeding,  lodging,  want  of  exercise,  extremes  of  heat  and 
cold,  etc. 

Treatment. — Give  two  drachms  of  epsom  salts.  The  eye 
should  be  fomented  several  times  a  day  with  cold  water  in  the 
summer  and  wann  water  in  the  winter.  After  the  eye  has  been 
thoroughly  fomented,  a  lotion  composed  of  zinc  sulphate,  grains 
five;  water,  ounce  one;  laudanum,  drachm  one;  belladonna  tinc- 
ture, drachm  one,  should  be  put  into  the  eye  with  a  sponge. 
Weak  vinegar  and  water,  with  a  small  portion  of  laudanum,  is 
said  to  be  good. 

CHRONIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

In  this  form  the  discharge  from  the  eyes  is  not  so  great.  The 
conjunctiva  is  not  so  red  or  congested.  The  inner  side  of  the  lid 
is  ulcerated. 

(53G) 


DISEASES    OF    THE    EVE.  537 

Treatment. — Fomentations  should  be  kept  up  as  in  simple 
ophthalmia.  The  animal  should  receive  two  drachms  of  epsom 
salts  internally.  Zinc  sulphate,  twenty  grains;  tincture  of  bella- 
donna, one  ounce;  laudanum,  one  ounce;  water,  four  ounces,  may 
be  used  as  a  wash  to  the  eye. 

Traumatic  ophthalmia  is  produced  by  wounds,  foreign  sub- 
stances in  the  eye,  etc. 

Treatmext. — Remove  the  foreign  body.  Treatment  is  simi- 
lar to  simple  ophthalmia. 

ULCERATION  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

This  is  met  with  more  frequently  in  the  dog  than  in  other 
animals.     The  ulcer  may  be  touched  with  the  nitrate  of  silver. 

AMAUROSIS. 

By  this  is  meant  a  partial  or  complete  paralysis  of  the  optic 
nerve.  If  there  is  complete  paralysis,  total  blindness  ensues. 
The  disease  is  characterized  by  a  dilated  state  of  the  pupil.  The 
coats  and  humors  of  the  eyes  are  transparent.  It  is  a  disease 
very  deceptive  to  the  inexperienced  observer. 

The  disease  is.  caused  principally  by  concussion,  from  blows 
upon  the  head,  disease  of  bone,  epileptic  fits,  or  tumors. 

The  treatment  of  amaurosis  is  so  unsatisfactory  that  it  is  a 
waste  of  time  to  attempt  it. 

SYMPATHETIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  condition  arises  from  other  disease  in  some  other  jiart  of 
the  body  <ti'  fi'oni  derangement  of  the  stomach,  mange,  etc. 

Treatmext. — Give  a  drachm  of  jalap,  and  a]ij)ly  zinc  sulphate, 
grains  five;  opium  tincture,  drachm  one;  beUadonna  tincture, 
drachm  one;  water,  ounce  one.     Apply  to  the  eye. 

Congenital  blindness  occurs  sometimes  throughout  the  whole 
litter  of  puppies,  due  to  heredity.  The  puppies  should  be  de- 
stroyed. 


538  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

CATARACT. 

Cataract  consists  of  a  partial  or  complete  opacity  of  the  crystal- 
line lense,  due  to  various  causes.  In  the  horse  it  is  generally  due 
to  periodic  ophthalmia.  It  may  be  caused  by  old  age,  hard  work, 
and  bad  breeding.  When  seen  in  young  dogs  it  is  generally 
caused  by  blows  and  injuries  to  the  head. 

Treatment. — Treatment  of  this  disease  is  very  unsatisfactory, 
and  usually  terminates  in  opacity  of  the  lense.  Therefore,  I 
advise  no  treatment. 

EXTIRPATION  OF  THE  EYE. 

I  have  found  a  simple  spoon  to  be  the  best  instrument  for  re- 
moving the  eye.  The  attachment  of  the  muscles  to  the  orbit 
may  be  easily  disengaged  by  a  firm  pressure  of  the  spoon.  An- 
other method  of  removing  is  by  passing  a  curved  needle  through 
the  eye.  This  will  assist  in  making  the  excision  with  the  scalpel. 
The  hemorrhage  from  the  operation  is  trifling.  If  the  eye  has 
been  extirpated  on  account  of  a  malignant  disease,  the  actual 
cauter  should  be  used  on  the  parts. 

ULCERATION  OF  THE  EYELIDS. 

This  occurs  in  old  or  ill-fed  animals.  The  lids  become  en- 
larged and  tender.  The  lashes  fall  out  and  the  edges  present  an 
angry,  red  appearance. 

Treatment. — Tincture  belladonna,  one  drachm;  opium,  a  half 
ounce;  zinc  sulphate,  forty  grains;  water,  four  ounces,  should 
be  used  on  the  eye.  I-ater  it  may  be  necessary  to  touch  the  parts 
with  the  nitrate  of  silver.  If  the  lids  arc  considerably  swollen 
they  may  be  scarified.  Fomentations  are  useful.  AVarts  on  the 
lids  of  the  eyes  may  be  excised  and  the  wound  touched  with  the 
nitrate  of  silver. 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR.  539 

PROTRUSION  OF  THE  EYES. 

This  frequently  occurs  from  fighting.  If  the  ball  is  not  in- 
jured and  the  eye  is  warm,  showing  that  the  circulation  is  not 
cut  oif,  it  may  be  put  in  place. 

Treatment. — The  eyeball  and  orbit  should  be  wiped  with  a 

silk  handkerchief,  and  immediately  replaced  within  the  socket. 

When  handling  the  eye,  the  fingers  should  be  dipped  in  warm 

water  or  olive  oil.    In  replacing  the  eye,  it  must  be  done  gently. 

A  firm  pressure  must  be  brought  to  bear,  and  the  pressure  should 

be  changed  from  one  part  to  the  other,  in  order  to  replace  it  in 

the  socket.     A  little  oil  may  be  placed  on  the  inside  of  the  lids. 

If  it  is  best  to  remove  the  eye,  a  needle  with  a  thread  may  be 

passed  through  it;  then  draw  it  out  as  far  as  possible,  and  cut  off 

close  to  the  lids.     The  bleeding  will  soon  cease  and  the  lids  close 

perfectly. 

FISTULA  LACHRYMALIS. 

The  lachrymal  duct  is  a  small  canal  leading  from  the  internal 
angle  of  the  eye  to  the  nostrils,  and  is  the  passage  through  which 
the  tears  escape.  This  duct  may  become  closed  by  inflammation 
of  the  mucous  membrane  lining  the  nasal  chamber,  by  fungus 
growths,  etc.  The  canal  when  thus  obstructed  forms  a  fistulous 
opening,  just  above  the  internal  canthus. 

Treatment. — An  effort  should  be  made  to  clean  out  the  canal 

by  a  suitable  syringe.     A  small  silver  slide  should  be  placed  in 

the  canal  to  keep  it  open  and  to  direct  the  tears  through  the 

natural  channel.     The  dog  nuist  be  confined  so  that  he  cannot 

scratch  the  eye. 

WEAK  EYES. 

Some  breeds  of  dogs  have  naturally  weak  eyes.  The  eye  in 
such  cases  may  be  strengthened  by  the  use  of  vinegar,  one  ounce; 
laudanum,  one  scruple;  water,  six  ounces.  Sulphate, of  zinc,  one 
scruple;  water,  six  ounces,  is  another  good  remedy.  When  a 
white  film  remains  on  the  eye  after  acute  inflammation  has  sub- 
sided, nitrate  of  silver,  one  scniple ;  water,  six  ounces,  should  le 
dropped  into  the  eye. 


LXI. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR. 

CANKER. 

This  disease  affects  principally  the  water  dog,  but  no  breed  is 
.exempt.    It  is  frequently  met  with  in  the  pointer  and  setter. 

Internal  canker,  otorrhaa,  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lining 
membrane  of  the  meatus  auditorus  externus,  with  a  discharge  of 
purulent  matter,  sometimes  mixed  with  blood,  which  may  occa- 
sionally coagulate,  block  up  the  tube  and  cause  deafness.  When 
the  disease  extends  to  the  internal  ear  it  constitutes  otitis,  which 
may  end  in  death.  The  disease  is  local  or  constitutional.  When 
local,  it  is  caused  by  the  lodgement  of  dirt,  water,  or  foreign  mat- 
ter in  the  ear.  The  constitutional  arises  from  improper  and  over- 
feeding, want  of  exercise,  catarrhal  affections,  and  the  extension 
of  skin  diseases. 

The  earliest  symptom  of  the  approach  of  canker  is  frequent 
shaking  of  the  head,  or  holding  the  head  to  one  side.  The  dog- 
will  scratch  the  ear  violently.  Redness  of  the  integument  lining 
the  annular  cartilage  may  be  observed,  and  this  may  be  accom- 
panied by  an  enlargement  of  the  folds  of  the  skin.  If  the  case 
be  neglected,  the  pain  will  rapidly  increase,  the  ear  becoming 
redder,  and  there  will  be  a  deposit  of  red  or  black  matter  in  the 
hollow  of  the  ear. 

Treatment. — The  ear  should  be  thoroughly  washed  three 
times  a  day  with  warm  water  and  soap.  A  scniple  of  the  extract 
of  lead  to  an  ounce  of  water  should  be  applied.  The  preparation 
should  be  applied  warm,  and  may  contain  a  little  tincture  of 
opium.  A  purgative  should  be  administered  in  the  first  stages 
and  the  animal  kept  on  a  cooling  diet  for  a  few  days.    The  liquid 

(  540) 


DISEASES  OF  THE  EAR.  541 

should  be  poured  into  the  ear,  and  the  dog's  head  held  firmly 
until  it  insinuates  itself  as  deeply  as  possible  in  the  passages  of  the 
ear.  Zinc  sulphate  and  alum  are  useful,  and  should  be  applied 
in  the  proportion  of  six  grains  of  either  to  the  ounce  of  water.  A 
solution  of  the  perchloride  of  iron  is  a  very  effectual  remedy. 
Should  the  disease  continue  after  this  treatment,  nitrate  of  silver 
in  the  proportion  of  five  grains  to  the  ounce  of  water  should  be 
employed.  The  animal  should  receive  good  food,  and  the  fol- 
lowing tonic  should  be  used  to  improve  his  general  health: 
Strychnia,  grains  two-fifths;  essence  of  pancreatin  and  pepsin,  of 
each  two  ounces.  A  teaspoonful  to  be  given  after  meals. 
AVhen  it  becomes  very  painful  and  acute,  the  animal  howling 
with  a  pain,  a  seton  should  be  inserted  behind  the  ear.  If  the 
fever  is  A^ery  great,  nitrate  of  potash,  etc.,  may  be  used  in  tAventy- 
grain  doses> 

EXTERNAL  CANKER. 

This  is  an  abraded  or  wounded  condition  of  the  ear.  It  is 
caused  by  the  dog  shaking  his  ears,  or  from  accidental  injury. 
It  is  rarely  found  in  other  than  long-eared  dogs.  It  may  first 
appear  as  a  very  small,  trifling  wound,  but  from  constant  flap- 
ping the  wound  grows  larger  and  the  ear  commences  to  split.  A 
.netting  should  be  worn  over  the  ears  to  prevent  the  dog  shaking 
them.  He  must  not  bo  allowed  to  go  in  the  water.  The  remedies 
recommended  for  internal  canker  may  be  used  in  external  canker. 

If  the  ear  be  split  to  any  depth,  and  if  after  removing  the  cap 
the  wound  separates,  the  edges  must  be  pared  and  brought  to- 
gether with  metallic  sutures. 

POLYPUS. 

Polypi  sometimes  seen  in  the  car  of  the  dog  may  be  removed 
with  small  scissoi's  and  ligatures  of  wire  or  silk.  When  removed, 
the  base  of  the  tumor  should  be  destroyed  by  the  nitrate  of  silver; 
it  may  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  application.  Tumors  are  some- 
times seen  in  the  flaj")  of  the  ear,  and  may  extend  from  the  base 
of  the  car  to  the  lip  of  the  flap. 


542  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Treatment. — The  astringent  preparation  recommended  for 
canker  should  first  be  used.  When,  however,  it  becomes  evident 
that  the  tumor  will  not  heal,  it  must  be  opened  throughout  its 
whole  extent.  A  poultice  should  be  applied  for  several  days. 
The  parts  may  be  dressed  with  chloride  of  lime,  one  drachm; 
water,  six  ounces. 


Lxn. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  NOSE  AND  MOUTH. 

Ozsena,  a  fetid  discharge  from  the  nose,  is  a  very  troublesome 
and  frequent  affection  of  the  dog.  Slight  fever  is  present,  the 
parts  are  swollen,  and  there  is  a  fetid  discharge  from  the  nose. 
If  not  attended  to  it  will  become  chronic,  and  the  animal  will  be 
rendered  offensive  and  unsightly.  Caries  of  the  bones  of  the 
nose  will  nltimately  take  place.  It  is  caused  by  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membrane  of  the  nose,  or  may  result  from  distemper ' 
or  a  polypus  in  the  nose. 

Treatment. — Give  a  drachm  of  jalap  at  the  beginning.  Weak 
astringents  should  be  injected  np  the  nose.  Carbolic  acid,  one 
part  to  fifty  or  sixty  of  water,  is  good.  Zinc  sulphate,  five  grains 
to  the  ounce  of  water,  is  a  good  remedy.  Alum,  one  scruple; 
water,  one  ounce;  mix  and  inject. 

THE  TONGUE. 

Inflammation  of  the  tongue,  met  with  in  all  animals,  is  a  dan- 
gerous affection.  The  disease  comes  on  suddenly,  with  fever, 
heat,  swelling,  and  redness  of  the  tongue,  which  protrudes  from 
tlie  mouth,  exhibiting  a  dry,  hot,  inflammatory  appoarance. 
There  is  a  desire  to  lap  water,  and  great  uneasiness  is  exhibited. 
It  is  caused  by  injuries  to  the  tongue,  stings  of  insects,  and  from 
taking  poisonous  substances  in  the  mouth. 

Treatment. — Astringents  should  be  applied  to  the  tongue,  as 
solution  of  alum,  strong  vinegar,  oak  bark,  etc.,  and  a  large  blister 
should  be  placed  under  the  throat.  A  purgative  should  be  given 
as  soon  as  possible. 

(543) 


544  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


THE  LIPS. 

The  lips  sometimes  become  sore  and  swollen,  and  tlie  soreness 
has  a  tendency  to  s]3read  over  the  cheek  externally.  Zinc  sul- 
phate, grains  iive;  water,  one  ounce,  will  remove  the  trouble. 

TEETH. 

Little  dogs,  especially  in  cities,  frequently  suffer  with  decayed 
teeth  and  diseased  gums.  Sometimes  there  is  a  great  accumula- 
tion of  tartar  around  them.  The  loose  teeth  should  be  removed, 
and  if  there  is  a  deposit  of  tartaric  acid,  it  must  be  removed  by  a 
suitable  l)rush;  chlorinated  lime,  diluted  with  twenty  times  its 
bulk  of  water,  shoukl  be  applied  to  the  gums.  This  will  quicldy 
remove  the  tartar  and  heal  the  ulcers. 

Diseases  of  the  larynx,  pharynx,  and  trachea  are  similar  to 
those  affecting  the  same  organs  in  the  horse.  For  a  full  descrip- 
tion, see  TJespii'atory  Diseases  of  Horses. 

FOREIGN  ARTICLE  IN  THE  THROAT. 

Bones  frequently  become  lodged  in  the  throat.  If  beyond 
reach,  the  better  plan  is  to  attempt  to  shove  it  downward  into 
the  stomach.  A  piece  of  sponge  securely  fastened  to  a  piece  of 
whalebone  makes  a  good  probang  for  the  dog.  If  it  cannot  be 
dislodged,  an  incision  should  be  made  in  the  oesophagus  and  the 
bone  extricated.     This  should  not  be  done  except  as  a  last  resort. 


LXTII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  FEET. 

This  frequently  occurs  in  hunting  dogs.  The  feet  become  ten- 
der, swollen,  and  hot;  the  toes  become  sore;  the  claws  are  dis- 
eased, and  the  balls  painful. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  running  over  frozen  or  stony  ground 
and  hunting  over  rough  country'.  Over-feeding  may  produce  it, 
the  morbid  process  seeking  an  outlet  at  the  foot. 

Treatment. — The  dog  should  be  confined  to  his  house.  A 
drachm  of  jalap  should  be  given.  If  pus  forms  in  the  balls  of  the 
feet,  they  must  be  lanced.  Zinc"  sulphate,  one  ounce;  lead  ace- 
tate, one  ounce;  water,  one  pint,  should  be  used  freely  on  the  feet. 

PUSTULAR  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  FEET. 

This  is  sometimes  seen  affecting  the  toes,  and  occurs  independ- 
ently of  mange  and  other  skin  diseases.  It  is  caused  by  unclean- 
liness,  bad  housing,  etc. 

Treatment. — Wash  frequently  with  castile  soap  and  water. 
The  parts  should  be  dressed  with  the  zinc  and  lead  lotion. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  FEET. 

These  frequently  occur  from  stepping  on  sharp  instruments, 
glass,  thorns,  nails,  etc. 

Treatment. — If  the  foot  is  cut  deeply  it  should  be  thoroughly 
cleansed  and  brought  together  with  several  sutures  and  strips  of 
adhesive  plaster.  When  the  foot  is  punctured,  a  careful  search 
should  be  made  for  the  foreign  body,  and  its  removal  effected. 
A  poultice  should  be  applied.  Wounds  in  the  feet  may  be 
dressed  with  the  zinc  and  lead  lotion. 
35  ( 545  ) 


546  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


SPRAINS. 

Sprains  are  very  frequent  in  bunting  dogs,  and  are  charac- 
terized by  lameness,  heat,  and  swelling. 

Treatment. — Hot  fomentations,  purgatives,  and  the  use  of 
the  ammoniacal  liniment — viz.,  equal  parts  of  ammonia,  turpen- 
tine, and  linseed  oil.  Other  stimulants  may  be  used,  as  spirits  of 
camphor  and  alcohol. 

FRACTURE. 

'No  other  animal  recovers  so  quickly  from  a  fracture  as  does 
the  dog.  In  little  dogs,  the  simple  plaster  of  Paris  bandage  is  all 
that  is  necessary.  The  starch  bandage  does  very  well.  Cayenne 
pepper  should  be  sprinkled  on  the  bandage  before  it  becomes  dry 
to  prevent  the  dog  gnawing  it.  The  bones  unite  very  quickly, 
and  the  bandage  may  be  removed  in  two  weeks. 

CASTRATION. 

Castration  of  dogs  has  been  dealt  with  under  the  head  of 
Castration  of  Horses. 


LXIY. 
PARTURITION. 

Parturition  generally  takes  place  in  the  bitch  from  the  sixty- 
second  to  the  sixty-fourth  day.  A  quarter  to  three-quarters  of 
an  hour  is  required  for  the  production  of  each  puppy. 

Assistance  is  generally  necessary  in  the  production  of  the 
puppies,  owing  to  the  fact  that  if  allowed  to  associate  wdth  dogs 
larger  than  themselves  they  sometimes  pay  for  it  with  their  lives. 
The  bitch  should  be  regularly  exercised  for  some  time  previous  to 
lying-in.  The  bowels  should  be  kept  in  proper  condition.  When 
the  time  for  lying-in  has  arrived  and  there  is  difficulty  in  pro- 
ducing the  fetus,  recourse  should  be  had  to  the  ergot  of  rye.  It 
should  be  given  every  hour  or  half  hour,  according  to  circum- 
stances. 

A  drachm  should  be  given  every  half  hour  until  the  fetus  is 
expelled,  or  until  six  or  eight  doses  have  been  given.  If  ergot 
fail,  recourse  must  be  had  to  the  hook  or  forceps.  The  manipu- 
lation must  be  gentle  and  continued.  If  the  animal  seems  to  be 
losing  strength,  a  half  drachm  of  ether  and  ten  or  fifteen  drops 
of  laudanum  may  be  given.  The  patience  of  a  bitch  in  labor  is 
remarkable.  Their  distress  is  very  affecting  and  their  look  im- 
ploring. Injections  of  warm  water,  to  which  a  little  soap  has 
been  added,  into  the  uterus  will  assist  in  removing  the  fetus. 
When  the  puppies  are  dead  their  removal  may  be  effected  by 
patient  and  gentle  manipulation.  When  violence  has  been  used 
at  the  commencement,  the  patient  will  die.  During  labor  the 
expulsion  of  fetus  may  be  assisted  by  giving  a  warm  bath  and  an 
ounce  of  castor  oil. 


(547) 


LXY. 
PARASITES  INFECTING  THE  DOG. 

ASCARIS  MARGINATA. 

This  worm,  a  frequent  source  of  sickness,  is  the  most  common 
in  the  dog.  The  male  is  three  inches  long,  the  female  four  to  six 
inches. 

Symptoms. — Irregularity  of  the  bowels,  voracious  appetite, 
colic,  loss  of  flesh.  The  worm  sometimes  finds  its  way  into  the 
trachea,  and  when  such  is  the  case  the  animal  has  a  persistent 
cough.  The  parasite  reaches  the  trachea  through  the  oesophagus. 
They  have  been  known  to  find  their  way  into  the  nasal  cavity  and 
produce  obstinate  sneezing.     There  may  be  partial  paralysis. 

Treatment. — Santonin,  in  three  to  five  grain  doses,  mixed 
with  castor  oil,  may  be  given  on  an  empty  stomach  every  morn- 
ing for  three  or  four  days.  This  treatment  should  be  followed 
with  a  good  purgative.  Then  give  tonics — gentian,  quassia,  and 
sulphate  of  iron,  each  five  grains. 

ASCARIDE. 

The  ascarides  are  small,  thread-like  worms,  generally  not  more 
than  six  or  ten  inches  in  length.  They  are  white  in  color,  the 
head  obtuse,  and  the  tail  terminating  in  a  transparent  prolonga- 
tion. They  are  principally  found  in  the  rectum;  they  seem  to 
possess  considerable  agility,  and  the  itching  caused  by  them  is 
intense.  The  dog  often  drags  the  fundament  along  the  ground 
to  relieve  this  itching.  The  wonns  roll  themselves  in  a  ball  as 
large  as  a  nut,  and  it  is  difficult  to  disentangle  them.  When  in 
the  stomach  they  are  not  removed  by  vomiting.  Young  dogs  are 
subject  to  and  are  with  great  difficulty  entirely  freed  from  them. 

The  treatment  of  this  worm  is  similar  to  the  treatment  of 
ascaries  marginata. 

(  548  ) 


PARASITES   INFECTIiXG  THE   DOG.  549 

TERES. 

Another  worm,  the  teres,  occasionally  infects  dogs.  It  resem- 
bles the  earth  worm.  Occasionally  they  crawl  into  the  stomach 
and  produce  a  great  deal  of  inflammation. 

TAPEWORM— TAENIA  ECHINOCOCCUS. 

This  worm  consists  of  a  head  and  three  segments.  It  is  one- 
third  of  an  inch  in  length.  The  last  segment  is  the  longest  part 
of  the  body. 

TAENIA  COENURES. 

This  worm  is  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  long. 

TAENIA  MARYMALO. 

This  is  the  large  tapewonn  of  the  dog.  It  measures  from  three 
to  eight  feet  long,  and  consists  of  a  head  and  four  suckers.  AVe 
find  them  all  in  the  small  intestines.  The  mugmato  is  found 
about  the  middle  of  the  intestine.  In  regard  to  numbers,  the 
first  parasite  is  not  common.  You  may  find  a  thousand  or  per- 
haps only  forty.  In  the  second  and  third  varieties  yon  will  find 
from  one  to  twelve.  All  of  them  are  found  holding  on  to  some 
part  of  the  mucous  memi)rane  of  the  small  intestines.  They 
impregnate  in  the  dog. 

Symptojis. — A  wasting  away  of  the  animals,  voracious  appe- 
tite. 

Treatment. — First  give  the  animal  a  purgative,  and  on  the 
following  mornino'  oive  the  worm  medicine.  ^lale  shield  fern 
or  Felix  mass  and  powdered  areca  nut  should  be  given — pow- 
dered areca  nut,  two  grains  for  each  pound  of  the  animal's 
weight;  male  shield  fern,  ten  to  twenty  drops.  Two  hours  after- 
ward a  tablespoonful  of  castor  oil  should  be  given.  In  twelve 
hours  the  worms  will  be  passed.  The  fceces  should  be  burnt. 
This  treatment  should  be  repeated  every  two  weeks,  and  then 
every  eight  weeks,  until  a  cure  is  effected. 


LXYI. 

POISONS  AND  THEIR  ANTIDOTES. 

ACIDS. 

Acetic,  citric,  muriatic,  and  tartaric  acids  require  alkalies  as 
antidotes,  such  as  carbonate  of  soda,  potash,  lime,  and  magnesia. 
As  soon  as  the  acids  are  neutralized,  mucilaginous  teas,  such  as 
flaxseed,  gum  arable,  or  slippery  elm,  may  be  given.  Sulphuric 
acid  requires  soap  in  solution,  or  magnesia,  as  an  antidote.  Nitric 
acid  poison  is  counteracted  by  lime  water,  carbonate  of  lime,  and 
magnesia  in  solution.  For  carbolic  acid  there  is  no  special  anti- 
dote. Oil,  glycerine,  milk,  flour  and  water,  white  of  eggs,  mag- 
nesia, and  flaxseed  tea  may  be  used.  Prussic  acid,  laurel  water, 
and  oil  of  bitter  almonds  are  the  most  deadly  poisons.  Cold 
should  be  applied  to  the  head  and  ammonia  inhaled.  If  prussic 
acid  is  taken  internally  in  poisonous  doses  it  will  kill  almost  in- 
stantly. Copper  and  its  compounds,  blue  vitrei,  and  verdegris 
may  be  counteracted  by  giving  yellow  prussiate  of  potash  in 
solution.  Albuminous  substances  should  be  given,  such  as  milk, 
white  of  eggs,  Avheat  flour  in  water  or  magnesia. 

Arsenic  and  its  compounds  are  the  most  common  poisons. 
Paris  green,  the  well-known  potato-bug  killer,  frequently  poisons 
cows.  The  cow  will  eat  almost  anything,  and  if  allowed  to  get  at 
a  tub  in  which  Paris  green  has  been  mixed  she  will  lick  it  as 
though  it  were  meal.  Under  the  arsenical  compounds  we  have 
white  arsenic,  yellow  sulphate  of  arsenic,  red  sulphate  of  arsenic, 
king's  yellow,  and  fly  powder;  arsenical  paste,  soap,  Scheel's 
green,  and  Paris  green.  Their  antidotes  are  oils,  fats,  lard,  melted 
butter,  and  milk.  In  animals  that  vomit,  the  stomach  should  be 
evacuated  by  giving  zinc  sulphate  or  mustard.  Mucilaginous 
drinks  may  be  given  as  soon  as  the  stomach  is  evacuated.     Fine 

(  550) 


POISONS   AND   THEIR   AXTlUuihs.  iJOL 

powdered  iron  rust  may  be  given  every  fifteen  minutes.  Lead 
and  its  compounds,  lead  acetate,  white  lead,  red  lead,  and  litharge 
poisoning  may  be  counteracted  by  giving  purgatives,  anodines, 
and  potassium  iodide. 

Mercury,  corrosive  sublimate,  white  precipitate  and  red  pre- 
cipitate, calomel,  require  albumen  in  some  form.  If  the  poison 
is  not  absorbed,  follow  with  a  mustard  emetic  in  animals  that  can 
vomit.  It  should  be  remembered  that  the  horse  cannot  vomit, 
neither  can  the  ox  and  sheep  very  readily.  Other  animals  vomit 
freely.  The  stomach  pump  may  be  used  on  those  that  cannot 
vomit. 

Some  oils,  such  as  creosote,  oil  of  tar,  and  oil  of  turpentine  will 
destroy  life.  When  an  over-amount  is  taken  it  may  be  counter- 
acted by  giving  mucilageous  drinks,  wheat  flour  mixed  with 
water,  eggs,  milk,  etc.  The  antidote  for  iodine  is  similar  to  the 
above. 

Alcoholic  poisoning  may  be  treated  by  giving  a  powerful 
emetic  and  applying  cold  to  the  head  and  rubbing  the  extremi- 
ties. 

Alkalies,  such  as  liquor  of  ammonia,  water  of  ammonia,  muri- 
ate of  ammonia,  may  be  neutralized  by  giving  vinegar,  lemon 
juice,  citric  and  tartaric  acid.  Liquor  of  potassium,  nitrate  of 
potash,  carbonate  of  potash,  and  salts  of  tar,  seldom  produce 
poisoning,  but  their  effects  may  be  reduced  by  giving  mucilagi- 
nous drinks  and  any  of  the  fixed  oils. 

Ergot,  aconite,  fox  glove,  black  heleborc,  vcratruni  viridc,  and 
gelseminum  should  be  treated  by  emetic  or  the  stomach  pump. 
Belladonna  and  stramonium  may  lie  counteracted  by  morphine, 
sassafras,  iodine,  and  stimulants.  Xux  vomica  and  strichnine 
may  be  neutralized  by  giving  large  doses  of  camphor. 

Henbane  and  opium  may  be  treated,  by  sassafras  for  henbane 
and  belladonna  for  opium.  Cold  should  be  applied  to  the  head 
and  the  extremities  should  be  rubbed. 


GLOSSARY  TO  THE  STOCK  OWNER'S  ADVISER. 


Abate — To  lessen,  to  diminish. 

Abdomen — The  belly;  that  part  of  the  body  which  contains  the  stomach 

and  intestin'fes. 
Abdominal — Belonging  to  the  abdomen. 
Abnormal — Unnatural, 

Abortion — Expulsion  of  the  fetus  before  it  is  capable  of  sustaining  life. 
Abseess — A  collection  of  pus  in  any  tissue  or  organ  of  the  body. 
Absorption — The  act  or  process  of  absorbing  or  sucking  in,   the  condi- 
tion of  being  absorbed  or  sucked  in. 
Abrasion — A  rubbing  off,  as  a  piece  of  skin. 

Acetabnlum — The  bony  cup  which  receives  the  head  of  the  thigh  bone. 
Aeme — The  top  or  highest  point. 
Acrid — Pungent,  irritating. 
Acnte — Sharp,   severe;    an  acute   disease  is   severe   and   comes  speedily 

to  a  crisis. 
Adipose — Fatty. 

Adhesion — The  action  of  sticking;   union  of  surfaces. 
Adrentitious — Accidental;   acquired,  as  diseases. 
Affection — Disease;    malady. 
Albumen — In  urine  a  chemical  composition  resembling  the  white  of  an 

egg. 
Albuminoid — Of  the  nature  of  albumen. 
Aliment — Any  kind  of  food. 
Alimentarrj  Canal — The  canal  extending  from  the  mouth  to  anus  through 

which  food  passes,  and  the  useless  parts  are  ejected. 
Alkali — A  substance  which  neutralizes  acids,  as  soda,  potash,  etc. 
Alterative — A  medicine  that  gradually  induces  a  change. 
Alreolar  Processes — That  part  of  jaw  which  contains  the  sockets  of  the 

teeth. 
Amaurosis — A  loss  of  sight  from  loss  of  power  of  the  optic  nerve. 
Amcnorrhaa — Retention  or  suppression  of  the  menses. 
Amnion — A  membrane  enveloping  the  fetus  and  the  liquid. 
Amputation — The  act  of  removing  a  limb. 

Amyloids — Foods  composed  of  carbon  and  hydrogen,  as  sugar  and  starch. 
Anatnia — A  morbid  condition  in  which  the  blood  is  deficient  in  quality 

or   in   quantity. 
Anatomy — The  science  of  the  structure  of  the  body. 
Anecsthctic — That  which  produces  insensibility  to  pain. 

(  553  ) 


554:  THE    STOCK    OWNEr's    ADVISER. 

Angina  Pectoris — Neuralgia  of  the  heart;    called  also  breast  pang. 

Auimahule — An  animal  invisible  to  the  naked  eye. 

Anodyne — Medicine  which  relieves  pain. 

Anomaly — Irregularity;  deviation  from  the  common  rule. 

Anthelmintic — Medicine    v/hich     destroys    or   expels     worms     from     the 

stomach  and  intestines. 
Antidote — A  remedy  to  counteract  the  effects  of  poison. 
Antiseptic — A  substance  which  prevents  putrefaction. 
Antispasmodic — A  medicine  which  relieves  spasms. 
Anns — The  circular  opening  at  the  end  of  the  bowel. 
Aorta — The  great  artery  which  carries  the  blood  from  the  heart  to  all 

parts  of  the  body  except  the  lungs. 
Aperient — A  medicine  which  moves  the  bowels  gently. 
Aqueous — Watery. 
Articulate — To  join  together. 
Apoplcj-y — Rush  of  blood  to  an  organ. 
Arachnoid — A  thin  membrane  covering  the  brain. 
Areolar  Tissue — A  network  of  delicate  fibres  spread  over  the  body. 
Artery — One  of  the  vessels  or  tubes  which  carry  blood  from  the  heart. 
Astringent— A  medicine  which  contracts  the  flesh. 
Attenuate — To  make  thin. 
Atrophy — A  wasting  away. 

Auscultation — Diagnosing  disease  by  listening. 
Auricle — The  external  part  of  the  ear;  an  earshaped  appendage  or  part. 

Benign — Mild,  kind,  gentle. 

Bile — A  bitter  yellow  or  greenish  fluid  secreted  by  the  liver. 

Biliary — Belonging  to  or  containing  bile. 

Bronchial — Belonging  to  the  divisions  of  the  windpipe. 

Bisect — To  divide  into  two  equal  parts. 

Biology — The  science  of  life. 

Bistoury — A  small  cutting  knife. 

Blood  ISerum — The  yellow  fluid  which  is  left  after  the  coagulation  of 

blood. 
Bohis — A  large  pill. 

Calcareous — Containing  lime. 

Calcification — The  process  of  change  into  a  calcareous  substance;   con- 
verting into  chalk. 
Calculus — Stones  formed  by  a  deposit  of  solid  matter. 
Callus — A  hard  deposit. 

Cai'illarirf! — Very  small  blood  vessels  connecting  the  arteries  and  veins. 
Capsule — A  membranous  bag  enclosing  an  organ. 
Caries — Ulceration  of  bone 
Cartilage — Gristle. 
Carotids — The  great  arteries  of  the  side  of  the  neck. 


GLOSSARY.  555 

Carminative — A  substance  which  allays  pain  in  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines by  expelling  gas. 

Cardiac — Pertaining  to  the  heart. 

Carbonic  Acid — A  heavy  poisonous  gas. 

Casein — The  part  of  milk  which  contains  nitrogen. 

Catarrh — Chronic  inflammation  of  a  mucous  membrane. 

Castrate — To  deprive  of  the  ovaries  or  testicles. 

Cathartic — A  purgative. 

Catheter — A  hollow  tube  used  in  drawing  off  the  urine. 

Caustic — A  substance  which  burns  or  destroys  tissue. 

Cauterization — Searing  with  a  hot  iron. 

Cephalic — Pertaining  to  the  head. 

CerebellKni — Little  brain. 

Cerebrum — The  upper  or  large  brain. 

Cervix — The  neck  of  the  womb. 

Chronic — Of  long  continuance. 

C]iola<jo(n(cs — An  agent  which  promotes  discharge  of  bile. 

Chyle — Food  digested  and  ready  for  absorption. 

Chyme — Food  after  being  subjected  to  the  action  of  the  gastric  juices. 

Cicatrize — To  heal  or  induce  the  formation  of  a  scar. 

Cilia — Small  hairs. 

Clyster — A  liquid  injection  into  the  intestines. 

Coagulate — To  thicken,  to  harden. 

Coition — Sexual  intercourse. 

Coffin-Bone — The  lower  bone  of  the  leg  encased  in  the  hoof. 

Colic — A  painful  disorder  of  the  intestine. 

Colon — Part  of  the  large  intestines. 

Coma — A  condition  of  heavy,  unconscious  sleep. 

Conception — The  beginning  of  pregnancy;  impregnation  of  the  ovum. 

Congenital — Born  with,  belonging  to  from  birth. 

CoiHjcstion — An  abnorm.al  amount  of  blood  in  a  part. 

Conjunctiva — The  membrane  which  covers  the  external  surface  of  the 
ball  of  the  eye. 

Contagion — The  transmission  of  a  disease  by  direct  or  indirect  contact. 

Convoluted — Curved  or  rolled  together. 

Copulation — Sexual  intercourse. 

Corium — A  layer  of  skin. 

Cornea — A  transparent  covering  of  the  front  of  the  eye. 

Contusion — A  bruise. 

Cranial — Pertaining  to  the  skull. 

Crucial — Like  a  cross. 

Crural — Belonging  to  the  leg. 

Cnistaceous — Having  a  crustlike  shell. 

Cul-de-sac — A  passage  closed  at  one  end. 

Cutaneous — Pertaining  to  the  skin. 

Cuticle — The  outer  or  scarf  skin. 


556  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

Cyst — A  small  bladder  or  bag. 
Cystitis — Inflammation  of  the  bladder. 

Debris — Broken  or  detached  fragments. 

Decoction — A  fluid  impregnated  with  any  substance  by  boiling. 

Defecation — A  voiding  of  excrement  from  the  body. 

Deglutition — The  act  of  swallowing. 

Dejection — Matter  voided  from  the  bowels. 

Degenerate — To  grow  worse  or  inferior. 

Decarbonize — To  free  from  carbon. 

Deleterious — Destructive,  poisonous. 

Depletion — The  act  of  emptying. 

Dentition — Cutting  of  the  teeth  in  infancy. 

Deodorizer — A  substance  that  destroys  a  bad  smell. 

Dermal — Belonging  to  the  skin. 

Depravation — Corruption. 

Detergent — Cleansing. 

Dermatologist — One  who  makes  diseases  of  the  skin  a  specialty. 

Desiccate — To  dry  up. 

Desquamation — Scaling  off  of  the  skin. 

Diabetes — A  disease  which  is  attended  with  an  inordinate  flow  of  urine. 

Diagnosis — The  act  of  distinguishing  one  disease  from  another. 

Diaphoretic — A  medicine  which  increases  perspiration. 

Diaphragm — A  muscular  partition  which  divides  the  cavity  of  the  chest 

from  that  of  the  abdomen. 
Diathesis — Peculiarity    of   constitution. 
Disinfect — To  free  from  infectious  matter. 
Dilatation — Expansion;   enlargement. 

Diluent — A  fluid  which  thins  the  blood,  or  holds  medicines  in  solution. 
Diuretic — A  medicine  which  increases  the  flow  of  urine. 
Douche — Dashes  of  water. 

Drastic — A  medicine  which  moves  the  bowels  harshly. 
Dropsy — An  unnatural  accumulation  of  fluid  in  the  body. 
Dorsal — Pertaining  to  the  back. 
Duct — A  tube  or  vessel  for  conveying  fluid. 
Duodenum — The  first  portion  of  the  intestine. 

Dura  Mater — A  thick  fibrous  membrane  lining  th(!  cavity  of  the  skulT. 
Dyspnoa — Difficulty  of  breathing. 

Ecchymoma — An  effusion  of  blood  into  the  cellular  tissue  under  the  skin. 

Ecchymosis — A  black  or  yellow  spot  produced  by  effused  blood. 

Ecraseur — Instrument  for  castration. 

Eczematous — Of  the  nature  of  eczema. 

Effluvium — An  unpleasant  odor  or  exhalation  from  decaying  or  putrefy- 
ing matter. 

Effusion — The  pouring  out  of  blood  or  other  fiuid  from  its  proper  vessels 
into  the  cellular  tissue  or  into  a  cavity. 


GLOSSxVUY. 


557 


Elasticity — That  property  of  matter  by  which  a  body  tends  to  resume 

its  original  form  after  the  removal  of  external  pressure  or  altering 

force. 
Elim  iiHitr — Discharge,  expel. 
Einaciatioii — Excessive  leanness. 
Embryo — The  germ  of  an  animal  at  the  beginning  of  its  development 

in  the  womb. 
Emetic — A  medicine  which  produces  vomiting. 
Emollient — Softening  or  relaxing. 

Endocarditis — Inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  heart. 
Endocdrdlttm — The  lining  membrane  of  the  heart. 
Enema — A  medicine  injected  into  the  rectum. 
Enteric — Intestinal. 

Enteritis — Inflammation  of  the  intestines. 
Epidemic — A  disease  which  attacks  a  number  of  animals  at  the  same 

time. 
Epiylottis — A  cap  over  the  windpipe,  allowing  the  admission  of  air,  but 

preventing  the  introduction  of  foreign  bodies. 
EpitlieJium — The  thin  covering  upon  the  lips,  nipple,  mucous  and  serous 

membranes,  the  lining  of  the  blood  vessels  and  other  canals. 
Ernption — A  breaking  forth;  a  rash  on  the  skin. 
Esophagus— The  tube  which  conveys  food  to  the  stomach. 
Eracuant — Cathartic. 
Efcoriate — To  remove  the  skin  in  part;   to  rub  and  gall  or  break  the 

skin  off;  to  abrade. 
Excrement — Refuse  matter. 
Excrescence — An  unnatural  growth. 

Excretion — The  separation  of  fluids  from  the  body  by  means  of  glands. 
Exhalation — A  breathing  out,  as  of  the  air  in  the  lungs. 
Exostosis — An  unnatural  growth  or  projection  of  bone. 
Expectorant — A    medicine    which    promotes    discharge    from    the    lungs 

or  throat. 
Expiration — The  act  of  breathing  out  or  forcing  air  from  the  lungs. 
Extraneous — Foreign. 
Extravasate — To  force  or  let  out  from  the   proper  vessels  or  arteries, 

as  blood. 
Exudation — A  discharge,  as  of  sweat,  through  the  pores. 
Exude — To  sweat;   to  discharge  through  pores. 

Facial — Pertaining  to  the  face. 

Fcrces — Excrement  or  refuse  matter. 

Fallopian  Tufie — The  canals  through  which  the  ovum  passes  from  the 

ovary  to  the  womb. 
Farcy — Acute  glanders. 

Fascia — A  layer  of  connective  tissue  covering  and  investing  all  muscles. 
Feculent — Foul  or  turbid  from  dregs  or  sediment. 


558  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 

Fehrifnge — A  medicine  which  reduces  fever. 

Febrile — Pertaining  to  fever. 

Fecundation — The  ovum  uniting  with  the  male  germ. 

Femur — The  thigh-bone. 

Fermented — Changed  by  a  process  of  decomposition. 

Fetid — Having  an  offensive  smell. 

Fetus  or  Fotus — The  young  unborn  animal. 

Fibrin — An  organic  substance  found  in  the  blood,  and  composing  a  great 

part  of  the  tissues  of  the  body. 
Fibrous  Tissue — Connective  tissue,  composed  chiefly  of  white  inelastic 

or  yellow  elastic  fibres. 
Fibula — The  small  bone  attached  to  the  outer  side  of  the  tibia. 
Fistula — A   permanent   abnormal   opening  into   the   soft   parts,    with   a 

constant   discharge. 
Fistulous — Hollow  like  a  pipe. 
Flatuleney — The  state  of  being  flatulent. 
Flatulent — Generating  wind  in  the  stomach  and  intestines. 
Flexible — Capable  of  being  bent. 
Flexor — A  bender. 
Fuius — An  unborn  animal. 
Follicles — Small  depressions  in  the  skin. 

Fomentations — Local  applications  of  cloths  wrung  out  of  hot  water. 
Fumicjate — To  apply  smoke  or  vapor. 
Fundus — The  bottom  or  base  of  any  hollow  organ. 
Fuwjous — Resembing  mushrooms,  spongy. 

Galvanism — Current  electricity. 

Gangrene — Death  of  a  portion  of  the  body. 

Ganglion — Any  special  nerve  center  or  center  of  nervous  action. 

Gastric — Pertaining  to  the  stomach. 

Gelatinous — Jellylike. 

Generation — The  process,  act  or  function  of  begetting;  reproduction. 

Genitals — The  sexual  organs. 

Glans — Head  of  penis. 

Grannies — Small  grains. 

Glottis — The  mouth  of  the  windpipe. 

Groin — The  oblique  depression  between  the  abdomen  and  thigh. 

Habitat — The  usual  abode  or  locality  of  an  animal. 

Eair-Bulb — The  enlargement  at  the  root  of  a  hair. 

Eamal — Relating  to  blood. 

Eecmatein — The  coloring  matter  of  the-  blood. 

Hemorrhage — Discharge  of  blood  from  a  ruptured  blood  vessel. 

Haunch— The  hip;    the  upper  part  of  the  thigh. 

Hectic — Constitutional. 

BemipJilegia — Paralysis  affecting  only  one  side  of  the  body. 


GLOSSARY.  559 

Hemorrhoidal  Veins — The  veins  about  the  rectum  which  enlarge  and 

form  piles. 
Hepatic — Belonging  to  the  liver. 
Bepatize — To  turn  into  a  substance  resembling  liver. 
Hereditary — Transmitted  from  parent  to   offspring. 
Hernia — The  protrusion  of  an  organ,  in  whole  or  in  part,  through  some 

opening  in  the  walls  of  its  natural  cavity. 
Humerus — The  upper  bone  of  the  foreleg. 
Hygiene — That  department  of  science  which  treats  of  the  preservation 

of  health. 
Hymen — The  fold  of  mucous  membrane  at  the  vaginal  entrance. 
Hyperemia — A  superabundance  or  congestion  of  blood  in  an  organ  or 

part  of  the  body. 
HypertropJnj — Excessive  development;    enlargement;    thickening. 

IdiopatJiy — A  primary  disease  not  depending  on  any  other. 

Ileum — A  portion  of  the  small  intestine. 

Incision — The  act  of  cutting. 

Infection — The  communication  of  disease  germs  by  indirect  means. 

I m perforate-  -Without  a  natural  opening. 

Imprciination — The  fusion  of  the  female  germ-cell  with  the  male  germ- 
cell. 

Indif/cnoiis — Native. 

Indolent — Painless;   a  term  applied  to  tumors. 

Induration — The  act  of  hardening. 

Infiltration — The  passage  of  fluid  into  the  cellular  tissue. 

Ingest — To  take  in;  applied  to  food. 

Inguinal  Canal — A  passage  through  the  abdominal  wall  in  the  region  of 
the  groin,  through  which  the  spermatic  cord  passes. 

Inoculate — To  communicate  a  disease  by  inserting  infectious  matter  in 
the  flesh. 

Inorganic — Without  the  organs  necessary  for  life,  as  a  mineral. 

Insalivation — The  mixing  of  the  food  with  saliva  and  other  secretions 
of  the  mouth   in  eating. 

Insemination— The  emission  of  sperm  in  coition. 

Inspiration — The  drawing  in  of  the  breath. 

Integument — The  skin. 

Interstice— A  small  space  between  the  particles  of  a  body. 

Intercostal — Between  the  ribs. 

Intermittent — Coming  and  going  at  intervals. 

Intussusception — The  slipping  of  the  upper  part  of  the  small  intestine 
into  the  lower. 

Iris — A  curtain  which  gives  the  eye  its  color. 

Jejunum — The  middle  division  of  the  small  intestine,  or  that  portion 
between  the  duodenum  and  the  ilium. 


560  THE    STOCK    OWNEk'.S    ADVISER. 

Lachrymal — Pertaining  to  tears. 

Lactation— The  act  of  giving  suck. 

Lactcals — The  vessels  whicli  convey  milk. 

Lamella — A  thin  plate  or  scale. 

Lamiiial — Having  the  form  of  a  thin  plate. 

Larynx — The  enlarged  upper  portion   of   the  windpipe  extending  into 

the  throat. 
Laryngitis — ^Inflammation  of  the  larynx. 
Laxatiic — A  mild  purgative. 
Lesion — Any  hurt  or  injury. 
Ligament — A  fibrous  structure  uniting  bones. 
Ligature — A  cord  or  catgut  to  be  tied  around  a  blood  vessel  to  arrest 

hemorrhage. 
Lobe — A  round,  projecting  part  of  an  organ,  as  of  the  lungs  and  liver. 
Loin — That  portion  of  the  body  between  the  hip-bone  and  ribs. 
Lymph — A  transparent  fluid,  resembling  blood,  found  in  the  lymphatic 

vessels. 

Malady — Disease. 

Malar — Pertaining  to  the  cheek-bone. 

Malformation — Irregular  in  structure. 

Malignant — Applied  to  diseases  which  threaten  life. 

Mammalia — Animals  that  suckle  their  young. 

Manipulation — Examination  by  the  hand. 

Massage — Kneeding,  rubbing. 

Meatus — Canal  or  passage. 

Mediastinum — The     partition     formed     by    the    meeting   of   the    pleura, 

dividing  the  chest  into  two  lateral  parts. 
Membrane — A  thin    sheet-like    structure,   usually    fibrous,   covering    or 

lining  some  part  or  organ. 
Meninges — Membranes  covering  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 
Menses — Monthly  flow. 

Menstruation — The  discharge  of  bloody  matter  from  the  womb. 
Mesentery — The  fold  or  membrane  which  attaches  the  intestines  to  the 

spine. 
Metastasis — A  transference  of  disease  from  one  place  to  another. 
Molars — The  grinding  teeth. 
Morbid — Diseased. 

Molecule — The  smallest  portion  of  matter  which  can  exist  alone. 
Mucus — A  mucilaginous  fluid  found  on  the  surface  of  certain  membranes 

which  keeps  them  soft  and  pliable. 
Muscle — An  organ  which  by  its  contraction  produces  motion. 
Myalgia — Muscular  rheumatism. 

'Nasal — Belonging  to  the  nose. 

Nausea — Any  sickness  of  the  stomach,  with  inclination  to  vomit. 


GLOSS  AEY.  561 

Narcotic — A  medicine  which  stupefies.  . 

Necrosis — Mortification  or  death  of  bone. 

Nitro(jcn — One  of  the  gases  in  the  atmosphere. 

NoxioKS — Injurious. 

Ni/mphoiiiaiiia — Extreme  desire  for  sexual  intercourse  in  the  femaJe. 

Obesity — Excessive  fatness. 

Obstetrical — Pertaining  to  midwifery. 

Ocular — Pertaining  to  the  eyes. 

Omentum — A  fold  of  the  peritoneum. 

Oi)tic — Pertaining  to  sight. 

Osseous — Formed  of  or  resembling  bone. 

Ossifij — To  form  bone;  to  become  bone. 

Os  Iteri — Mouth  of  womb. 

Ovary — The  female  organ  in  which  the  ovum  is  formed. 

Orygcn — A  vital  gas  in  the  atmospheric  air. 

Pabulum — Food. 

Palliatice — A  remedy  which  relieves,  but  does  not  cure. 

Palate — The  roof  of  the  mouth. 

Papilhi — Small  nipple-shaped  prominences  found  on  tongue  and  skin. 

Pancreas — The  sweetbread,  a  gland  connected  with  the  intestine. 

Parasite — An  animal   which   lives  in,   or  on,   the   body   of  some  other 
animal. 

Parenchyma — The  soft  cellular  substance  of  the  tissues  of  plants  and 
animals. 

Parojysm — A  periodical  attack. 

Parturition — The  act  of  bringing  forth  young". 

Patella — The  knee-pan. 

Patholoyy — The  science  which  treats  of  diseases,  their  nature,  causes,  etc. 

Pedicle — The  narrow  part  of  a  tumor. 

Penis — The  male  organ  of  generation. 

Pectoral — Of  or  pertaining  to  the  breast. 

Peptic — Promoting   digestion. 

Pericardium — The  double  bag-like  fold  of  serous  membrane  which  en- 
closes the  heart. 

Perichondrium — The  membrane  covering  the  cartilages. 

Pericranium — The  membrane  lining  the  bones  of  the  skull  externally. 

Periosteum — The  fibrous  membrane  which  covers  bone. 

Peritoneum — The    serous    membrane    which    lines    the    cavity   of   the 
abdomen. 

Permeate — To  pass  through  without  rupture. 

Pharyn.r — The  muscular  tube   at  the  back   part  of  the  mouth   which 
leads  to  the  gullet. 

Phlegmon — An  inflammatory  exudation  in  the  connective  tissue. 

Phlegmonous — Relating  to  or  of  the  nature  of  a  phlegmon. 
36 


563  THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISEE. 

Phthisis — Consumption. 

Physiology — The  science  which  treats  of  the  phenomena  and  functions 

of  animal  life. 
Placenta — The  vascular  appendage  which  connects  the  fetus  with  the 

parent. 
Plasma — The  colorless  fluid  of  the  blood. 
P/c;/(one— Having  a  full  habit  of  body,  full  of  blood. 
Pleura — The  serous  membrane  which  lines  the  interior  of  the  chest  and 

covers  the  lungs. 
Plexus — A  net  work  of  vessels,  nerves  or  fi'bers. 
Polypus — A  tumor  which  grows  from  mucous  membranes. 
Portal  Vessels — The  cluster  of  veins  that  join  and  enter  the  liver. 
Process — A  prominence  or  projecting  part. 
Procreation — Generation  and  production  of  offspring. 
Prohang — A  leather  instrument  for  unchoking  animals. 
Prohe — An  instrument  for  examining  wounds. 
Prolapsus  Uteri — A  falling  of  the  womb. 
Prolapsus  Recti — A  falling  of  the  rectum. 
Prognosis — Opinion  of  the  future  course  of  a  disease. 
Prophylactic — Preventive. 
Proteids — Foods  composed  of  carbon,  hydrogen,  oxygen  and  nitrogen — 

as  the  white  of  an  egg. 
Protozoon — A  primary  division  of  the  animal  kingdom. 
Pruritus — Itching. 
Pruritus  Tuha — A  nervous  disease  attended  with  excessive  itching  of 

the  external  genital  parts  of  the  female. 
Ptyalin — A  ferment  contained  in  the  saliva  of  man  and  of  most  animals. 
Puberty — The  age  at  which  the  subject  is  capable  of  procreation. 
Pulmonary — Relating  to  the  lungs. 
Pulsate — To  beat  or  throb. 

Pupil — The  circular  opening  in  the  colored  curtain  within  the  eye. 
Purgative — A  medicine  which  causes  evacuations  of  the  bowels. 
Pus — Yellowish-white  matter  produced  by  the  process  of  suppuration. 
Pylorus — That  portion  of  the  stomach  through  which  the  food  passes 

to  the  intestines. 

Quiescent — Being  at  rest. 

Quickening — The  time  when  the  motion  of  the  fetus  within  the  womb 
is  first  perceptible. 

Rabies — The  disease  known  as  hydrophobia. 

Rales — Noise  produced  by  air  passing  through  mucus  in  the  lungs. 

Ramify — To  divide  into  branches. 

Raphe — A  term  applied  to  parts  that  look  as  if  sewed  together. 

Receptacle — That  which  receives  or  contains. 

Rectal — Pertaining  to  the  rectum. 


GLOSSARY.  563 

Recumbent — Reclining. 

Regurgitation — The   act   by   which    blood    is    forced    backward   in   an 

unnatural  manner. 
Remittent — Ceasing  for  a  time. 

Reproduction — The  production  of  living  bodies  similar  to  the  parents. 
Resolution — The  disappearance  of  inflammation  without  suppuration. 
Respiration — Breathing. 
Retina — That  part  of  the  eye  upon  which  the  image  is  formed  in  the  act 

of  vision. 
Retrocession — Change  of  an  eruption  from  the  surface  to  the  inner  parts. 
Rickets — A  disease  of  the  bones. 

Saccharine — Like  or  containing  sugar. 

Sacral — Of  or  pertaining  to  the  sacrum. 

Saline — Salty. 

Saliva — The  secretion  of  the  glands  of  the  mouth. 

Sanatire — Curative. 

Scale — One  of  the  thin,  flat,  horny  membranous  or  bony  outgrowths 

of  the  skin  of  various  vertebrates. 
Scapula — Shoulder  blade. 
Sciatic  Xerrr — The  great  nerve  of  the  thigh. 

Sclerotic — Hard;  applied  especially  to  the  outer  coat  of  the  eyeball 
Scrotum — The  bag  which  contains  the  testicles. 
Scurry — A  disease  due  to  impaired  nutrition. 
Secrete — To  separate  from  the  blood. 
Sebaceous  Glands — The  oil  tubes  of  the  skin. 
Sensorium — The  seat  of  sensation. 

Sedative — A  medicine  which  allays  irritation  and  irritability. 
Septic — Having  power  to  promote  putrefaction. 
Septicemia — Blood  poisoning,  usually  by  absorption. 
Sequel — That  which  follows. 
Serum — (See  Blood  Serum.) 

ShauJx — The  part  of  the  leg  from  the  knee  to  the  foot. 
Slouf/h— To  fall  off. 
Spinal — Belonging  to  the  spine. 
Splint — Osseous  tumor  on  the  splint-bone  of  a  horse. 
Sporadic — Separate. 
Sternum — Breastbone. 

Strangulated — Choked;  having  the  circulation  stopped. 
Styptic — An  astringent,  having  the  property  of  arresting  bleeding. 
Sudorific — Causing  sweat. 
Suppuration — The  process  of  generating  pus. 
Synovia — A  fluid  resembling  the  white  of  an  egg. 

Tapping — Drawing  off  collected  fluid. 
Tegument — The  covering  of  the  body. 


564 


THE    STOCK    OWNERS    ADVISER. 


Tendon — A  tough    cord,  bundle,  or  band  of    fibrous    connective    tissue 

uniting  a  muscle  with  some  other  part. 
Tenuity — Thinness. 

Tergal — Of  or  pertaining  to  the  back. 
Testicles — The  glands  which  contain  the  seminal  fluid. 
Therapeutie — Pertaining  to  the  art  of  healing. 
TJiorn.r— Chest. 
Tibia — The  inner  of  the  two  bones  of  the  leg  or  hind  limb  above  the 

hock. 
Tonsil — An  oblong  gland  situated  on  each  side  of  the  fauces. 
Tortion — The  act  of  twisting. 
Tourniquet — An  instrument  to  arrest  bleeding. 
Traehea — The  windpipe. 
Translucent — Partially  transparent. 

Transudation — Passage  of  liquid  through  the  tissues  of  the  body. 
Traumatic — Relating  to  a  wound  or  injury. 
Tractile — Capable  of  being  drawn  out. 
Trephining — To  perforate  the  skull  with  a  trepan,  so  as  to  remove  a 

piece  of  bone. 
Triturate — To  pulverize. 
Turner — A  rounded  projection  of  bone. 

Tumor — A  morbid  swelling  or  enlargement  on  any  part  of  the  body. 
Typanum — Ear  drum. 

Vina — The  elbow  of  the  foreleg. 

L'mhilicus — The  navel. 

Urinary — Pertaining  to  the  urine. 

TJrcevxic — Of  or   pertaining   to   the   accumulation   in   the   blood   of  the 

principles  of  the  urine. 
Urea — A  constituent  of  the  urine. 

Ureter — The  canal  leading  from  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder. 
Urethra — The  canal  leading  from  the  bladder  outward. 

Vagina — The  canal  between  the  vulva  and  the  womb, 

Tarieose — Irregularly  swollen  or  enlarged. 

Vascular — Consisting  of  or  containing  vessels. 

Ventral — Pertaining  to  the  belly. 

Veins — The  vessels  which  return  the  blood  to  the  heart. 

Ventricles — The  posterior  chambers  of  the  heart. 

Vermifuge — A  medicine  which  destroys  or'  expels  worms. 

Vertebrw — The  bones  of  the  spinal  column. 

Vertigo — Dizziness. 

Vesicles — Small  bladders  or  sacs. 

Villi — Minute  thread-like  projections. 


GLOSSARY.  565 

Tints — Contagious  or  poisonous  matter. 

^  iruh'iit — Very  poisonous. 

Viscera — The  organs  contained  in  the  cavities  of  the  body. 

Tiscus — Any  internal  organ. 

Viscid — Gluey,  sticky. 

Vitreous  Humor — The  fluid  in  the  eye  behind  the  lense. 

Viihierary — Useful  in  healing  wounds. 

Vulva — The  external  organs  of  generation  in  the  female. 


INDEX. 


THE  HORSE. 

Abscess  323 

Actino  Mycosis  267 

Affeotious    of    the    Gfands    of    the 

Mouth 253 

Albumeuuria 416 

Aliiuentary  Caual,  Accessories  of...   Ill 

Alveohii"   Processes,    Disease  of 257 

Amaurosis   272 

Amble  Method  of  Progression 72 

Animal    Locomotion,    Mr.    Mybridge 

on    71 

Animals,    Identification  of 48 

Anthrax   340 

Aneurism  297 

Anus   Imperforate    384 

Apoplexy    399 

Arteries  102 

Arteries,  Disease  of   295 

Arteries,  Description  of 104 

Arteries,  Inflammatien  of 296 

Ascites  391 

Asthma  368 

Ascaris  Jlegalocephala    430 

Azoturla   423 

Bladder,  Paralysis  of  422 

Bacteria   432 

Bedding    84 

Beef  Essence 328 

Beef  Tea,   How  to  Make 328 

Biliary   Calculi    411 

Bitting,  Bridle  for  an  Unruly  Horse, 

How  to  Make 

Bladder  

Bladder,  Inversion  of 

Bladder,  Melanotic  Deposits  of. 

Bladder,  Paralysis  of 

Blanket,  I'se  of 

Blood,  Composition   of 

Blood,  IJquor  Sanguiuous  in. . . . 

Bog    Spavin    

Bot  Flies 

Bone,  Necrosis  of 

Bone,  Abscess  or  

Bones,  Disease  of 

Bone.  Metacarpal.  Ostitis  of.... 
Bone,  Caries  of.  Treatment  of.  . 

Bones,  Number  In  Horse 

Bone  Spavin 

Bones  of  Limbs,  Description  of 


Page 

Bones  of  Head,  Description  of 90 

Bones  of  tae  Vertebrae   90 

Brain 127 

Brain,  Concussion  of   397 

Breaking,  Drugs,  Benefit  in 59 

Breaking,  Rarey  Method 58 

Breaking  by  Knee  Strap 61 

Breaking,  Best  Method  of 60 

Breaking,  Best  Method  for  Kicking.     62 

Breeding    22 

Bronchitis  367 

Bruise  of  the  Sensitive  Sole 239 

Hursal  Enlargements,  treatment  of.   192 

Bursal  Enlargements 192 

Burns,  Treatment  of 247 

Calks  and  Treads 240 

Calculi  Salivary   254 

Canker    236 

Canter,  Method  of  Progression 74 

Capped    Hock 215,  266 

Capilaries 102 

Capilaries,  Description  of 106 

Capped   Elbow 191,  266 

Carbuncle  of  the  Coronary  Band...  232 
Carpltis     or     Inflammation    of    the 

Knee  195 

Carditis 426 

Castration,     The     Method     by     the 

Clamps 310 

Castration,  Swelling  of  the  Scrotal 

Region  Resulting  from 314 

Castration,  Hemorrhage  Following..  313 
Castration,    Chriptorchides  Mode  of 

Operation    311 

Castration,   Limited  Torsion 309 

Castration,   Anatomy  of  Parts 307 

Castration,   Scraping 306 

Castration,   Linear  Crushing   309 

Castration,      Double      Subcutaneous 

Torsion    311 

Castration,   Chriptorchides 311 

Castration,   Firing   310 

Castration,  Tearing  and  Torsion....  300 

Castration,  The  Ligature 310 

Castration.  Crushing    of    the    Testi- 
cular Cord    311 

Castration,        (Jangrene       Resulting 

from  314 

Castration,  Hernia  Following 316 

(567) 


64 
126 
421 
420 
422 

84 
100 
102 
209 
294 
168 
169 
163 
164 
167 

85 
212 

85 


568 


THE    STOCK     OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


Page 

Castration,  Horse,  Attention  of 313 

Castration,   Results  of   313 

Castration,  Abscess  Resulting  from.  315 

Castration,  Restraint    304 

Castration,   Limited  Torsion    300 

Castration  of  Dogs 318 

Castration,  Amauroris  Following....  317 

Castration  303 

Castration,  Season  for 304 

Castration,  Simple    Exci.sion 308 

Castration,  Methods  of   308 

Castration,  Tetanus  Following 316 

Castration,   Peritonitis  Following   . .  816 

Castration  of  Fenjales  817 

Castration  of  Swine  318 

Castration,     Champignon     Resulting 

from    315 

Catarrh 365 

Chemical   Properties  of  Milk 76 

Chicken  Broth 328 

Chorea    404 

Choking   259 

Circulation    102 

Circulation,    Round   of 104 

Clipping   07 

Clitoris  324 

Colon,  Impaction  of 382 

Colt,  How  to  Accustom  to  Saddle...  54 

Colt,  How  to  Educate 50 

Colt,  How    to    Proceed    with    After 

Haltering    53 

Colt,  Treatment  of 49 

Colt,  Ho^  to  Accustom  to  the  Bridle  54 

Colt,  How  to  Prevent  Fear 50 

Colt,  Identification  of 48 

Colts,   Education  Neglected 50 

Colt,  Indigestion  of 49 

Colt,  How    to    Lead    witli    a    Broke 

Horse  52 

Colt,  How  to  Learn  to  Feed 49 

Colt,  When   Weaned    49 

Colt,  How  to  Mount   55 

Colt,  How  to  Ride 55 

Colt,  How  to  Ride  When  Stubborn.  56 
Colt,    How    to    Teach    the    Use    and 

Guidance  of  the  Lines 56 

Colt.   How  to  Take  First   Lesson   In 

Drawing  the  Buggy 56 

Colt,  Health  at  Age  of  Breaking 57 

Colt,    Education    and    Care    at    Two 

Years    58 

Colts  Broken  While  Young ; 58 

Colt  at  Five  Days r,0 

Colt,  How  to  Get  from  Pasture 6.") 

Colt,  Education  of .^,0 

Colt,  Old   Method  of  Breaking .58 

Colic,  Spasmodic  380 


Page 
Contests  Between  the  Males  of  Ani- 
mals     During     the      Period     of 

Oestrum 23 

Conception,    when    Likely    to    Take 

Place  22 

Cornea,  Laceration  of 274 

Corns    235 

Contagious  Diseases  of  Horses 335 

Constipation  389 

Coughs    358 

Cough   333 

Crib  Biters  261 

Crusta  Lahialis  290 

Cut  Tendon    200 

Curb    216 

Cyanosis 428 

Cystic  Calculi  421 

Cystitis    419 

Dentition   Fever   257 

Diaphragm,  Rupture  of   420 

Diaphragm,  Diseases  of  429 

Diarrhea  In  Foals 387 

Diarrhea    3S6 

Digestive  System Ill 

Diseases  of  Ear    282 

Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System 392 

Diseases  of  the     Stomach     and     In- 
testines      375 

Dislocation  of  the  Hip  Joint 205 

Dislocation  of  Patella 206 

Dislocation  of  I'atella,  Symptoms  of.  207 

Dysentery    388 

Early  History  of  the  Battle  Horse..     20 

Ectopia  Cordis  428 

Ecthema    291 

Eczema,   Simple    286 

Eggnog   327 

Elbow  Lameness 191 

Elephantiasis   299 

Embryo  of  the  Dog 29 

Embryo  of  the  Sheep 28 

•  Embryo  of  the  Horse,   Dovclopmciit 

of 27 

Embryo  of  the  Ox 28 

Embryology  26 

Embryo  of  the  Pig 28 

Endocarditis  427 

Enteritis 384 

Epilepsy   398 

Eplstaxis  371 

Epizootic  and   Enzootic   Diseases  of 

the  Horse  344 

Epizootic  Cerebro-spinal  Meningitis.  349 

Erysipelas  247 

Erysipelas  Phlegmonous   248 

Erythema    284 


INDEX. 


569 


Page 
Eureka  Bridlo  as  a  Means  of   Sub- 
duing the  Colt 63 

Eureka  Bridle,  How  Made G3 

Eyelids,  Wounds  of 276 

Eyelids,  Warts  on 276 

Eyelid,  I'lversion  of 277 

Eyeball,   Dislocation  of 275 

Eye,  Worm  In 274 

False  Quarter   233 

Feeding  the  Sick 32G 

Female  Organs  of  Generation 133 

Female,    Effect    on    by    a    Previous 

Impregnation 33 

Female   Organs  of  Generation,    Dis- 
ease of 321 

Fetus,  Coveri  ngs  of 26 

Fetus,   Development  of 27 

Fibrous  Tumors    263 

Filly,  Time  When  She  May  I'.o  Bred.  42 

Fistulous  Withers   283 

Flea  293 

Fly  294 

Fodder   79 

Food    76 

Foot  98 

Foot,  Wall  of 98 

Foot,  To  ruderstand  by  Owner 219 

Foot,  Sole  of 99 

Foot,  Frog  of 99 

Fracture,  Symptoms  of   143 

Fracture,  Treatment  of  143 

Fracture  of  Knoo,  Symptoms  of 147 

Fracture  of  Knee,    Ti'catment   of....  147 

Fracture  of  Humerus 144 

Fracture,   Modes  of  Union 146 

Fracture  of  Humerus,  Symptoms  of.  147 

Fracture  of  Patella    l.')4 

Fracture  of  Tibia,   Symptoms  of 154 

Fracture  of  the  Tarsal  Bones,  Treat- 
ment of  154 

Fracture  of  the    Metatarsal    Bones, 

Treatment  of 1.54 

Fracture  of  the     Vertebrae,     Symp- 
toms of 155 

Fracture    of    Dorsal    Spine,     Treat- 
ment of   1 .56 

Fracture  of  the   Sacrum,    Symptoms 

of   1.56 

Fraotnro  of  Radius  and  Ulna,  Symp- 
toms of 148 

Fracture    Radius    and    Ulna,    Treat- 
ment of  149 

Fracture     of     the     Scapula,     Treat- 
ment of  1.50 

Fracture  of  Femur,    Symptom.s  of...  1.53 

Fracture  of  I'Vmur  153 

Fracture  of  Ribs,  Treatment  of 152 


Page 

Fracture  of  Navicular  152 

Fracture  of  Os  Pedis 151 

Fracture  of  Os  Corona   151 

Fracture  of  Sesamoid  Bones 151 

Fracture     of     the     Os  -  Suffraginis, 

Symptoms  of 151 

Fracture  of  Metacarpal 151 

Fracture  of  Scapula,   Sj'mptoms  of. .   150 

Fracture  Df  Scapula  149 

Fracture 144 

Fracture  of  Femur,  Treatment  of...   1.53 

Fracture  of  Inferior  Maxilla 159 

Fracture  of  Orbital   Process 161 

Fragilitas  Orsium 171 

Fracture  of  Frontal    Bones 161 

Fracture  of  Ischium  159 

Fracture  of  tae  Ilium   157 

Fracture  of  Parietal 161 

Fracture  of  Nasal  Bones 160 

Fracture  of  Pelvic  Bone 157 

Frame  Work  of  Horse 83 

Frost  Bites,  Treatment  of 246 

Fungus  Haematodes  273 

Gallop  Method  of  Progression 73 

Gastritis 379 

General  Treatment  of  I^ameness. . . .  217 

General  Symptoms  of  Disease .331 

Glanders  and  Farcj'   335 

Glaucoma    273 

Gloss  Anthrax  340 

Grain 81 

Grain,   Value  of 81 

Grass,  Perennials 78 

Grass  as  Hay,  Value  of 79 

Grass,  Annuals  as  Hay,  Value  of. ...  80 
Grasses,  Value  of  and  Soils  Adapted 

to  Their  Growth 77 

Grass,   Blue 77 

Grass,  Clover 78 

Grass,   Annuals   78 

Grass,  Timothy 78 

Grass  for  Pasture 79 

Grease    289 

Habits  of  the  Horse 20 

Haemoptysis 370 

Haematuria    422 

Hair,  Description  of 97 

Halter    Pulling    66 

Hard  Cancer  267 

Hay   79 

Head  and  Neck,  Disease  of 282 

Healing  by  Primary  Adhesion ?49 

Healing  by  Grnnulation 249 

Health.    Condition   of   as    Shown    1)V 

Hair    07 

Healing,    Alodes   of 248 

Healing  by  Immediate  Union 243 


570 


THK    STOCK    OWNER  8    ADVISER. 


Heart,  Diseases  of 426 

Heart,  Hypertrophy  of 427 

Heart,  Rupture  of 427 

Heart,  Disease  of  Valves 428 

Heart,    Foreign    Bodies   in 428 

Heart,  Description  of  103 

Heels,  Cracked 284 

Hernia,   Scrotal 278 

Hernia,  Strangulated 280 

Hernia,   Umbilical    280 

Hernia,  Diaphragmatic    281 

Hernia,   Ventral    281 

Hernia    278 

Herpes    285 

Hip-Joint  Lameness 204 

History  and  Habits  of  the  Horse. ...     19 

Hobbling    306 

Horse,  Balky,  How  to  Manage 67 

Horse,  Desirable  Height  of 39 

Horse,  How  to  Train  for  Trotting.  .     70 
Horse,  To     Train     to     Stand     While 

Getting   into   a    Carriage 66 

Horses,    Balky,    How    to    Start    by 

Taking  up  Foot  69 

Horse,    Quality   of 36 

Horse,  Wild,  Exempt  from  Disease.     36 
Horse,  Regular     Progressive     Move- 
ments in  Trotting 71 

Horse,  Health  of  When  Procreating..   36 

Horse,  Perfectly    Formed    37 

Horse,  Tests  of  Soundness 38 

Horse,  Disposition  of   38 

Horses,   Trotting,   How  to   Feed 70 

Horse,  Faulty  in  Action 38 

Horse,  How    to    Make     Stand     Still 

Without  Hitching  70 

Horses,  Names    Given    According   to 

Weight 40 

Horse,  Measurement  of  39 

Hydrops  Uteri  328 

Hydrocele    300 

Hydrothora  x 363 

HydrocephnluR 407 

Hymen,    Imperforate    44 

Hymen,  Imperforate,  Operation  of. .     44 

Hymen 134 

Hypermetropia    275 

Hysteria    403 

Immobility    405 

Impregnation,   EfTccts  upon  by   Suc- 
ceeding   Males    33 

Impregnation,  Dr.  Trail  on 33 

Impregnation.  Professor  Agasslz  on.     35 

Impregnation,  Dr.  Miles  on 34 

Impregnation,  Mr.  Darwin  on 34 

Indigestion,  Acute    375 

Indigestion,  Simple    375 


Page 

Indigestion,  Chronic    379 

Inflammation 139 

Inflammation,  Hemorrhagic 141 

Inflammation,  Treatment  of 142 

Inflammation,  Ulcex'ative 141 

Inflammation,   Serous   140 

Inflammation,  Varieties  of 140 

Inflammation,  Fibrinous 141 

Inflammation,  The  Process  of 139 

Inflammation,    Suppuration    Result- 
ing from   142 

Inflammation,  Productive  141 

Inflammation  of  the  Coronary  Sub- 
stance      231 

Inferior  Maxilla.   Injui'y  of  by  Bit..   160 

Injuries  Below  the  Elbow 193 

Injuries  in  the  Region  of  the  Mouth.   251 

Intestines 123 

Intestinal  Concretions   389 

Intestines,  Small  Divisions  of 123 

Intestinal  Tumors   390 

Intestines,   Length  of  123 

Intestines,  Large  Divisions  of 123 

Intussusception   390 

Jaundice    410 

Joints,  Inflammation  of 180 

Joi  nt.  Open 181 

Joints,    Anchylosis  of 182 

Joints,    Diseases   of 177 

Jugular  Vein,  Inflammation  of 295 

Kicking  in  Stalls 65 

Kickers,  How  to  Cure 67 

Kidney,   Floating   416 

Kidney,    Atrophy  of   416 

Kidneys,  Diseases   of    413 

Kidneys,  Hypertrophy  of   415 

Kidney,    Inflammation   of 413 

Knee,  Injuries  Below 199 

Knee,  Broken 197 

Lachrymal  Duct,  Stricture  of 277 

Lameness,  How  Diagnosed 184 

Lameness  from  Disease  of  the  Pyr- 
amidal Process  of  tTie  Os  Pedis.  .   223 

Lampas    252 

Laminitis    228 

Laryngitis    366 

Laryngeal   Sounds   358 

Laryngisamus    Paralytica 369 

Larynx,   Description  of 108 

Lateral  Cartilages  100 

Leucorrhea    322 

Light  84 

Lice    293 

Lice,  Poultry  293 

Liver,  Structure  of 124 

Liver,  Rupture  of 411 

Liver,  Inflammation  of 408 


INDEX. 


571 


Page 

Liver,  Diseases  of  408 

Liver,  Functions  of  125 

Lungs,  Description  of 107 

Lungs,  Congestion  of   364 

Lungs,  Operation  of 108 

Lympliatics,   Infiamniation  of 298 

Lymphatic  System,  Description  of. .   106 

Mallenders    287 

Male  Organs  of  Generation,  Disease 

of  300 

Maladle    Du   Colt 303 

Mammary  Glands 134 

Mange    291 

Mare,  Treatment  of  After  Weaning 

the   Colt    49 

Mare,  Time     at     which     She     May 

Again  be  Bred 45 

Mare,  Qualities  of   41 

Mare,  Treatment  of  While  Pregnant    44 

Mare,  Sterility  of 42 

Mare,  Formation  of 42 

Mare,     Food     Best     Suited     During 

Pregnancy    45 

Mare,  Causes  of  Barrenness 42 

Mare,  Transmission     of     Hereditary 

Disease    41 

Massage,  How  Performed 136 

Massage   135 

Meat  Juice   828 

Meniliranos 94 

Memijranes   Lining   the   Four   Great 

Systems  of  the  Body 94 

Membrane   Xictitans  276 

Menstruation   (or  period  of  puberty)     22 

Mlllj   Punch    327 

Milk    Food    327 

Milk,  as  an  Illustration  of  Combi- 
nation   of    Foods 76 

Mollities  Ossium 170 

Mouth,   Deformity  of 256 

Mouth,   Bruises  of 251 

Mud    Fever  285 

Muscles 92 

Nasal    Polypi 372 

Nasal   Gleet    .372 

Nasal  Sounds 357 

Navicular    Disease 224 

Navicular  Disease,  Treatment  of...  227 

Nervous  System 127 

Nerves,  Cerebro-Si)inaI  120 

Nerves,   Description  of 127 

Nostrils,   Use  of 107 

Number  of  Mares  a  Horse  Should 
Serve  During  the  Breeding  Sea- 
son         24 

Nutriment,  Amount  of  In  Foods 
Used  for  Stock 77 


Page 

Nymphomania   325 

Oesophagus,   Use  of   121 

Oesophagus,   Dilation  of 260 

Oesophagus,   Diseases  of 258 

Oesophagus,  Rupture  of 261 

Oesophagus,   Stricture. of 361 

Oestromania   325 

Ophthalmia,  Periodical     270 

Ophthalmia,  Simple  269 

Orechitls    300 

Organs,   Respiratory 106 

Ossiflcation    of    the    Lateral    Carti- 
lages    223 

Osteo  Porosis 171 

Osteo  Porosis,  Treatment  of 175 

Osteo  Sarcoma,  Treatment  of 176 

Ovarian  Diseases  324 

Ovaries  133 

Ovaries,    Dropsy    of 324 

Oxyuris  Curvula  431 

Pancreas,  Diseases  of 412 

Pancreas,  Functions  of 125 

Paralysis    406 

Paraphymosis    301 

Paraplegia    407 

Parasitic  Diseases  of  the  Horse....  430 

Paralysis  of  the   Lips 253 

Parturition  29,  45 

Parturition,    Assistance  in 46 

Partuition,    Function   T>{ 45 

Partuition,    Abnormal    Presentations 

Accompanying    46 

Penis,    Amputation   of 301 

Penis,   Description  of 132 

Penis,    Excoriation   of 302 

Peptonized   Milk   Gruel 329 

Peptonized  Beef  Tea  329 

Peptonized   Milk 329 

Pericarditis    426 

Phymosis    300 

Pharyngeal  Polypi  371 

Pharynx,  Diseases  of 258 

Plies    383 

Placenta,    How    Removed 47 

Placenta,    Retention  of 46 

Plcuro  Pneumonia   346 

Pleural    Sounds    359 

Poll  Evil   282 

Polyuria  417 

Polypi,  Pharyngeal  2.59 

Porridge    329 

Pneumonia    360 

Prognation,  Artificially  Produced....     43 

Pregnancy,    Duration   of 25 

Pregnancy,  Signs  of 25 

Punctured  Wounds  of  the  Feet 241 

Pumaced  Foot 231 


572 


THE    STOCK    owner's    ADVISER. 


Page 

Prurigo    2S8 

Purpura  Haemorrhagica  348 

Quittor   237 

Rack,  Method  of  Teaching 72 

Rack,  Method  of  Progression 72 

Rat  Tails   200 

Rectal  Alimentation   329 

Renal    Calculi    418 

Reproductive  Organs,  Male 131 

Respiration,   How  Cariied  ou 100 

Respiratory  Diseases   357 

Results  of   Wounds 247 

Ring  Bones  203 

Rickets 1C9 

Ringworm   293 

Rheumatoid  Arthritis  180 

Rules  to  Observe  in  the  Purchase  of 

a  Horse . .   36-40 

Salivary  Glands Ill 

Sallenders    288 

Sand  Crack 233 

Sarcomata   2G0 

Scarlatina    349 

Scrofulous  Ostitis 16G 

Scirrhosis    410 

Seedy    Toe    234 

Serous  Abscess 190 

Sex,  the  Production  of  at  Will 30 

Sex,  Experiments  Regtjlating  Same.     31 
Sex,  Regulation    of   by   an    Early   or 

Late  Impregnation 32 

Sex,  Regulation    of   l)y    a    Favorable 

and   Unfavorable   Environment..     30 

Shoulder  Slip 187 

Shoulder  Joint,  Disease  of 189 

Shoe    Recommended    by     Professor 

Williams    220 

Shoeing   219 

Shivering    405 

Shoes,    Proper    Length    of    Time    to 

be   Worn   222 

Sidelines    304 

Skin,  Layers  of  94 

Skin 95 

Skeleton,  Horse 85 

Skin,    Disease  of     284 

Soft   Cancer  268 

Soups    328 

Speedy  Cut 195 

Spinltls    405 

Spinal  Cord 127 

Sprain 187 

Sprain  of  Flexor  Brachi,  Treatment 

of 190 

Rprain  of  tne  Suspensory  Ligament.   200 

Sprain  of  Metacarpal  Ligament 199 

Sprains  of  Fetlock ' 202 


Page 

Sprain  of  the  Flexer  Metatarsi 209 

Sprain  of  the  Patella  Ligaments 208 

Sprain    of    the     Vasti    and     Rectus 

P'emoris  Muscles   208 

Sprung  Hock   211 

Spleen,   Description  of 126 

8i)lints 165 

Stal)le   82 

Stable,    Veiitilatiou   of   82 

Stable,  Location  of  82 

Stables,  Temperature,  Regulation  of    83 

Stallion  as  Herder 23 

Staphyloma     273 

Stifle-joint    Lameness    206 

Stomach,   Rupture  of 378 

Stomach.  Dcsciiption  of 121 

Stomatitis    Pustuloso    338 

Stomach,    Impaction  of 377 

Strabismus  Squinting 275 

Strongylns  Tetracauthus 432 

Strangles    341 

Stubborn   Horse    64 

Suture,  Quilled 244 

Suture,    the    Interrupted 244 

Sweat  Glands 96 

Sunstroke    393 

Symptoms  Connected   with  the  Res- 
piratory   Functions 333 

Synovitis,    Chronic   Scrofulous 179 

Synovitis    178 

Team,    P.alky,    How    to    Start    that 

You  are  Not  Driving  Yourself...     68 
Teeth     of     a     Four-Year    and     Six- 

Month-old  Colt 114 

Teeth  of  a  Nine-Year-Old  Horse 118 

Teeth.  Function  of 112 

Teeth  of  Three-Old  Colt 114 

Teeth,   Kind  of 112 

Teeth  of  a  Twelve-Year-Old 119 

Teeth,  Dental  Star  in 119 

Teeth  of  an  Eight-Year-Old  Horse.    117 

Teeth  of  a  Twenty-one-Year  Old 120 

Teeth  of  a   Fifteen-Year-Old 119 

Teeth  Indicating  Age  113 

Teeth  of  a  Ten-Year-Old  Horse 119 

Teeth   Hook  in  Corner 118 

Teeth.  Description  of   112 

Teeth  of  a  Six-Year-Old  Horse 116 

Teeth  of  a  Seven-Year-Old  Horse 116 

Teeth  of  a  Two- Year  and  Six-Month 

Colt   113 

Teeth    of    a     Three-Year    and     Six- 
Months  Old  Colt 114 

Teeth  of  a  Four-Year-Old  Colt 114 

Teeth,  Upper,  One-Year-Old  Colt 113 

Teeth,  Caries  of 256 

Teeth,    Irregularities   of 250 


INDEX. 


573 


Tendons  94 

Tetanus    399 

Testicles,  Description  of 131 

Ticlis  294 

Thermometer  as  Aid  to  Diagnosis. .  334 

Thoracic  Sounds  358 

Thrombus    295 

Thorough   Piu    215 

Thrush 23t>,  252 

Tongue,    Paralysis   of 255 

Tongue,   Ulcers  of  255 

Tongue,    Affections   of 255 

Trachea,  Description  of 108 

Trotting,  Weights  to  he  Carried  in.     71 

Tulml  or  Bronchial  Sound 359 

Tumors    263,  322 

Tumors,  Fatty    264 

Tumors,  Cerebral   402 

Tumors,    Fibrous    263 

Tumors,  Cartilaginous    265 

Tumors,  Osseous  265 

Tumors,  Cystic   265 

Umbilical  Cord   27 

Urinary  Organs 120 

Ureters   127 

Urethritis    302 

Urethral   Calculi   422 

Urine,    Retention   of 419 

Urine,    Suppression   of 418 

Urticaria    286 

Uterus  133 

Vagina,    Protrusion  of 323 

Vaginitis    322 

Variola     .302 

Variola  Equina  or  Horse  Pox 341 

Veins  103 

Veins,   Description  of 105 

Veins.  Disease  of 205 

Vein  Stones   206 

Veins,  Entrance  of  Air 206 

Veins  Varicose 206 

Vertigo   598 

Volvulus    391 

Vulva 134 

Vulva,  Closure  of  the  Lips  of 323 

Walk,    Method   of   Progrossion 73 

Water,    to     Prevent     Putrid     Matter 

Draining    into 75 

Wator.   Quantity.  Quality 75 

Wine,    Whey    327 

Wind   Suckers   201 

Wolf   Tooth    258 

Wounds    242 

Wounds.   Gun  Shot   2-12 

Wounds,   I'olsoned   243 

Wounds,  Treatment  of 243 

Wounds,  Punctured,  Treatment  of. .  245 


Wounds,  Lacerated,  Treatment  of. .  245 

Wounds,  Gun  Shot,  Treatment  of...  246 

Wounds,  Contused  242 

Wounds,   Results  of   247 

Wounds,  Lacerated  242 

Wounds,  Punctured 242 

Wounds,  Poisonous,  Treatment  of. .  247 

Wound  of  tue  Palatine'Artery 252 

CATTLE. 

Anthrax    446 

Bronchitis    458 

Cattle,    Contagious  DiS^eases  of 437 

Cattle,     Diseases    of    the    Stomach 

and   Intestines    400 

Contagious    Pleuro-Pneuniouia 440 

Cysticercus  Bovis 473 

Enteritis  and  Colic  471 

Enzootic    and    Epizootic    Disease    of 

the  Ox  455 

Fasciola  Hepatica   473 

Foot  and  Mouth   Disease 443 

Grass  Disease   454 

Hoof  Evil   472 

Manyplles,   Impaction  of 463 

Manimitis    469 

Metritis    472 

Parasites  Affecting  Cattle 473 

Parturient    Paralysis    466 

Parturient  Fever   465 

Pa  rturient  A  poplexy  467 

Peritonitis    464 

Pleurisy    458 

Pneumonia    458 

Red  Water   459 

Respiratory   Diseases  of  the  Ox....  457 

Rumen,    Impaction  of 462 

Strongyhis   Mlci'urus  473 

Teat,   Stricture  of 471 

Texan   Fever   449 

Tuberculosis     450 

Tympanites    460 

Variola  Vaclnse  445 

Vomition    461 

Warts    472 

White  Scours 464 

DOGS. 

Amaurosis   537 

Ascarlde    548 

Ascarls    Marglnata    548 

Bladder,  Inflammation  of  533 

Calculus   532 

Calculus  In  the  Intestines 528 

Canker    540 

Canker,  External   541 

Costlveness 528 


574 


THE    STOCK    OWNER  S    ADVISER. 


Page 

Castration  54G 

Cataract    538 

Chorea    523 

Colic    527 

Contagious  Disease  of  Dogs 512 

Diseases  of  the  Eye 536 

Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System....  523 
Disease  of  the  Digestive  Organs....  526 
Diseases  of  Kidney  and   Bladder...   532 

Diarrhea    527 

Dog,  Care  of  507 

Dysentery    527 

Dropsy    528 

Ear,  Diseases  of 540 

Early  History  of  the  Dog 503 

Eczema    Rubrum    521 

Epilepsy     523 

Enteritis    526 

Enzootic  and  Epizootic  Diseases  of 

Dogs   521 

External  Canker   541 

Extirpation   of   the   Eye 538 

Eyelids,   Ulceration  of 538 

Eyes,    Protrusion  of 539 

Feet,    Disease   of 543 

Feet,  Pustular  Affections  of 545 

Feet,  Wounds  of 545 

Fistula   Lachrymalis   539 

Foreign  Articles  in  Throat 544 

Fracture    546 

Glossary  of  the   Stock   Owner's  Ad- 
viser    553 

Intussusception     528 

Jaundice    531 

Kennels,   Location  of 510 

Kidneys,    Inflammation   of 532 

Lips,    Disease   of    544 

Liver,    Diseases    of 530 

Mange 521 

Nose  and  Mouth,  Diseases  of 543 

Ophthalmia,    Chronic    536 

Ophthalmia     536 

Palsy    525 

Parturition    547 

Parasites  Infecting  the  Dog 548 

Peritonitis 526 

Polypus    541 


Page 

Pleurisy    534 

Pneumonia    534 

Poisons  and  Their  Antidotes 550 

Rabies     515 

Respiratory  Organs.  Diseases  of....  534 

Rheumatism    524 

Spasmodic  Cough  535 

Sprains  546 

Small  Pox  515 

Syinpathetic  Ophthalmia  537 

Taenia  Ccenuris   549 

Tapeworm   549 

Teeth    544 

Teres    549 

Targus,    Tuflanimation   of 543 

Ulceration  of  the  Cornea 537 

Weak  Eyes  539 

si:!;::r. 

Anthrax    478 

Cont.Tgions   Disease  oi   Sheep 477 

Distomata   Hepatica    482 

Entozoa  of  Sheep  481 

Foot    Rot    478 

Loupiug  111   479 

Oesophagostoma    483 

Ri  nderpest    478 

Strongylus  Filaria   483 

Taenia  Cff'iiuris   481 

TiKuia  Espansa  482 

Ta?nia  Marginata 482 

SWINE. 

Anthrax    490 

Constipation   495 

Contagious  Disease  of  Swine 487 

Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  System.  493 

Encephalitis    , 496 

Nervous  Diseases  of  the  Hog 495 

Parasites   of  the   Hog 498 

Sclerostoma   Dentatnm    498 

Strongylus  Elongalus   498 

Swine   Plague    487 

Sporadic  Diseases  of  Hogs 491 

Tricocephahis  Displa    498 

Tuberculosis 490 


Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 

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